A chance to dream for sick children

WHETHER it is a doll, an ice-cream treat or a trip in a jet, Reach for a Dream fulfills the dreams of children between the ages of three and 18 who have been diagnosed as having a life-threatening illness.

The charitable foundation does not discriminate based on race, culture, financial status or any other factor and gives each child living with a life-threatening illness the chance to dream.

Reach For A Dream believes that no child should live without hope – far less without fun.

However, for children with a life-threatening illness, the magic of childhood may be lost in the emotional, physical and financial strain of dealing with their illness.

Reach For A Dream tries to alleviate some of this strain, which often affects the whole family, by creating a different environment that is not focused on illness.

"We would like our children to find their laughter again and therein find the strength to live beyond their illnesses,” said a spokesman.

As well as fulfilling dreams, Reach for a Dream offers projects such as Captain Courage, Queen for a Day, Camp Sunshine, Jabulani Kingdom, Tracy Fun Centres and Show You Care, Send A Bear to children both in and out of hospital.

Making these diverse dreams come true, though, takes money and Reach for a Dream continually has to raise funds in order to carry out its hope-giving mission. This is where competitions such as the Wear Your Dream matric dress promotion, can help.