Slipper Day returns on Friday 5 May and calls on all South Africans to donate their small change to help children who are battling life-threatening illnesses.
By purchasing supporter stickers valued at R20 each, locals can help these children reach for their dreams and earn the right to wear their fluffy slippers on Slipper Day.
Since its inauguration in KwaZulu Natal in 2011, this fun fundraising campaign has grown into a nationwide movement, with everyone from office workers to schoolchildren wearing their bunny-eared and fuzzy slippers instead of shoes.
All proceeds from the day will go to Reach For A Dream, a leading non-profit organisation that helps children fight serious diseases by making their dreams – such as swimming with dolphins, meeting an idol or celebrity or getting a new doll house – come true. This not only gives them and their families invaluable respite from daily stress associated with ill-health, but stirs up much-needed courage and hope, helping these little ones believe that tomorrow is worth fighting for.
“Slipper Day is our biggest annual fundraiser with all funds going towards fulfilling the dreams of children facing some of the toughest challenges life can throw at them,” says Julia Sotirianakos, CEO of Reach For A Dream. “This year we’re calling on all South Africans to step up and support Slipper Day, not only to celebrate these brave dreamers but inspire hope among them, so they know no matter what obstacles arise they are never alone on their journey.
Last year, Reach For A Dream raised more than R8,3 million. This year it’s aiming even higher, with a goal of R10 million, to help 2 000 children.
Visit www.reachforadream.org.za to purchase a pair of slippers or socks, and to bulk order your Slipper Day stickers.
Slipper Day stickers will also be available for purchase at retail partners Wimpy, Pick n Pay, Dis-Chem Pharmacies, ToyZone, and Dis-Chem Baby City.
Remember to wear your sticker and slippers to Wimpy on Friday 5 May and get a free Famous Wimpy Coffee.
Reach For A Dream has also launched the Slipper Shuffle dance challenge to get the public onto their feet and into their slippers to raise awareness for Slipper Day.
Get ready to move and groove to a new hybrid dance track called “Step Up”. Featuring the soulful vocals of Bronté Borcherds, a singer and past dreamer, and expertly composed and produced by Neil Engel of Freq’ncy Audio, this track is sure to put a spring in your step.
TikTok sensation and teacher Mrs Bullock has choreographed the Slipper Shuffle, a simple five-step dance sequence that can be easily executed in your favourite pair of slippers.
To learn the moves, simply visit Reach For A Dream’s YouTube channel and watch the step-by-step tutorial or the full 30-second Slipper Shuffle.
Wear your slippers and sticker, download the theme song Step Up, film yourself doing the Slipper Shuffle, post it on social media and challenge your friends, other businesses, and schools to do the same. Remember to hashtag #ReachForADream, #SlipperShuffle and #SlipperDay2023.
“Getting involved in Slipper Day is an easy way to do something meaningful while having fun and supporting an incredible cause! So, step up, wear your supporter sticker and slippers on Friday 5 May and do the Slipper Shuffle to help make dreams come true,” says Julia Sotirianakos, CEO of Reach For A Dream.
