At a cost of R100 each, the bear can be given as a Christmas gift or donated back to the charity for distribution throughout South African paediatric wards, countrywide.
The campaign, currently in its third year, has distributed over 10 000 bears to children suffering from a range of illnesses and life-threatening diseases. The bears provide a distraction from the medical treatment while assisting to alleviate some of the anxiety and fear the children may experience during their hospital stay.
Reach for a Dream’s CEO, Julia Sotirianakos, says,“The joy and comfort which a simple bear brings to an often lonely and suffering child is immeasurable. We have also seen the relief and appreciation on the faces of family members not able to provide any respite to their little loved ones, from the sometimes desperate and desolate situation they find themselves in.”
The campaign is driven on a need-by-need basis, with a goal of 5 000 bears requiring new homes in children’s hospital beds. Sotirianakos adds, “Although we distribute bears all year through, the festive holidays provides us with a heart-warming opportunity to count our blessings, think of others in need, and share a gift of love, hope, and possibly healing, too.”
A minimum of 50 bears allows Reach for a Dream to arrange a bear distribution within a children’s ward. Corporates and individuals are able to donate to this programme and they are also invited to participate in the actual distribution process. Reach for a Dream adds a snack pack, reading or colouring book, and crayons to each of the care (bear) packages.
For more information, visit
www.reachforadream.org.za. Alternatively, connect with them on
Facebook or on
Twitter.