Share the gift of joy with uMhlanga’s Reach For A Dream
Reach for a Dream has made 333 dreams come true in KwaZulu-Natal to date with dreamers receiving a Wimpy meal, a cellphone, an Xbox and even an ice cream.
IT’S that time of the year again when people open up their hearts and pockets to non-profit organisations and individuals in need.
While some may request goods and cash, the Reach for a Dream foundation is asking for a few hours of your time to wrap up gifts at any of the three participating malls in Durban this festive period.
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Kerry Donkin, regional manager for the organisation, said the gift-wrapping project raised R180 000 last year across all three malls, Gateway Theatre of Shopping, The Pavillion and Ballito Junction.
“Once again, we are looking for volunteers to give us a few hours of their time to wrap Christmas gifts. These projects help the foundation put smiles on the faces of children with life-threatening illnesses. Making these children’s dreams come true gives them hope,” she said.
Gift-wrapping at Gateway commences on November 13, but Ballito Junction and The Pavillion start on December 15. The service runs until December 24 at all malls.
The duration is from 09:00 to 22:00 with each volunteer taking on a three-hour shift.
“We would really like volunteers to contact us and assist where they can. Students who want to complete their community service hours can use this as an opportunity. Corporates can also use it as a CSI initiative,” said Donkin.
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She encouraged shoppers to get their gifts wrapped at any of the malls in return for a donation of any amount.
“There is no set amount required so shoppers can donate whatever they can afford. Every bit helps and goes towards making dreams come true,” she added.
“One of the dreamers at King Edward Hospital had become very quiet. He was not eating, walking or talking, and all he wanted was a cellphone. Once his dream was fulfilled, his spirits were lifted. A few days later, when we returned to the hospital to fulfill another dream, he was back to his happy self and even took pictures of the new dreamer,” said Donkin.
Another dreamer, a 12-year-old boy, had never eaten an ice cream before, and once he tasted one for the first time, he said all he wanted to do was eat ice cream.
“It’s small things like this that make such a big impact in the life of a child fighting for their life,” she added.
To volunteer, call 031 566 2220 or email kerry@reachforadream.org.za.
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