How Understanding People Can Change Lives!
When we have a passion for helping others, we possess the power to make a meaningful difference in their lives. By taking action, we can demonstrate the tangible impact that our support can have on those who need it most.
Imagine the joy on someone’s face when they receive a warm meal after struggling with hunger, or the relief of a family who can now afford essential medical care with the help of your donation. These moments of support can be life-changing, providing not only immediate assistance but also hope for a brighter future.
“My passion for caring was put into practice when, at 21 years old, I started working as a rape counselor at Wits Campus,” says Julia Sotirianakos, CEO of Reach For A Dream Foundation. This early experience set the stage for a career dedicated to helping others and making a positive impact on their lives.
Her journey led her to SADAG, where she assisted individuals struggling with depression, showing them that help was available. Her drive to support others and demonstrate the profound impact of such assistance has been a constant throughout her life.
Studying psychology and obtaining a Trauma Diploma have been invaluable for Julia, enabling her to better understand the people around her, including colleagues, and apply her knowledge to everyday life. Her diverse skill set, which includes marketing and fundraising coordination, has allowed her to create a motivated team at Reach For A Dream Foundation.
The foundation’s mission is to bring hope to children fighting life-threatening diseases by fulfilling their dreams. Julia and her team witness firsthand the relief and light these experiences bring to the children and their loved ones, often serving as a catalyst that motivates them to continue their fight. “In my career, I thrive on building relationships and networks that create a tipping point to change someone’s life,” she explains. Her passion for making a difference is evident in the work she does at the Reach For A Dream Foundation.
The impact of the foundation’s work is far-reaching, not only for the children whose dreams are fulfilled but also for their families and the wider community. By providing moments of joy and hope during challenging times, Reach For A Dream Foundation helps to alleviate some of the stress and anxiety that comes with facing a life-threatening illness.
Under her leadership, the foundation continues to grow and expand its reach, touching the lives of more children each year. Her dedication to the cause and her ability to forge strong relationships with donors and partners have been instrumental in the organization’s success. For those looking to make a difference in the lives of children fighting fatal diseases, she extends an invitation: “If you want to be a part of watching this process happen as a Donor or Partner, please reach out and connect with me.”
Let us learn more about her profound journey:
Reach For A Dream Foundation’s Quest
“We make dreams come true for every child with a life-threatening illness by giving them hope to believe that tomorrow is worth fighting for.”
By doing so, Reach For A Dream seeks to help children rediscover their laughter and find the strength to overcome their illnesses. The organization’s vision is to expand its reach and continue providing hope to children fighting life-threatening illnesses by fulfilling their dreams and making its national projects accessible to as many children as possible.
The foundation believes in the transformative power of dreams and encourages children to harness their aspirations to combat life-threatening illnesses. By making dreams a reality, Reach For A Dream Foundation strives to empower children to live beyond their illnesses and find the resilience to overcome the challenges they face.
Journey of Hope and Healing
For over three decades, Reach for a Dream Foundation has been steadfast in its commitment to alleviating the crushing burden of life-threatening illnesses on sick children and their families. By providing the opportunity for children to pursue their greatest wishes, the foundation fosters a sense of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. At the heart of its mission is the empowerment of children to use their dreams as a catalyst for fighting life-threatening illnesses and inspiring courage.
The foundation’s scope of impact extends to children between the ages of 3 and 18, who have bravely battled illnesses such as cancer, cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, kidney failure, blood disorders, and heart conditions. By fulfilling their dreams, Reach for a Dream Foundation brings joy, laughter, and a renewed sense of purpose to these young warriors and their families.
The organization’s multifaceted approach involves empowering its team to facilitate marketing, networking, and identifying opportunities to grant these children their dream wishes. This is achieved through the coordination of efforts with donors and partners, directing pledges to enable the realization of these dreams.
While fulfilling dreams remains the foundation’s core mandate, it also offers additional programs designed to enhance the lives of these children. These initiatives include Dream Fulfillment, Dream Rooms, Outings, Laughter Heroes, and Virtual Reality experiences, all aimed at bringing comfort, joy, and a sense of normalcy to those who need it most.
Fulfilling the Dreams of Children
Julia’s role at Reach For A Dream is multifaceted, encompassing a diverse range of tasks that contribute to the fulfillment of a child’s dream. Her responsibilities include attending to the needs of dreamers, speaking with donors, forging new connections, collaborating with Board Members, EXCO, and stakeholders, developing the organization’s brand, and managing projects that bring dreams to life. The foundation’s mission to make dreams come true is a dream job.
With a rich history spanning 35 years, the organization has been an alarm of hope for children across the country. These children are under immense pressure to cope with their medical conditions and are in dire need of encouragement. Reach For A Dream offers them a magical moment to regain their childhood, which is often lost to illness.
On July 7, 1988, the organization made its first dream come true, treating little J C Steinman to a birthday celebration with pony rides and a motorcycle. This marked the beginning of the journey of dream fulfillment. The organization was officially named Reach For A Dream in 1991, with its core purpose defined as “fulfilling the dreams of children of any race, color, and creed.
Julia’s Projects
Empowering Children Through Innovative Campaigns
Julia elaborated on the various projects undertaken by Reach for a Dream, highlighting the organization’s commitment to supporting children and adolescents diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses. These initiatives not only bring joy and comfort to the children but also inspire hope and resilience.
Campaigns:
- Slipper Day: Slipper Day is a simple yet impactful way to support Reach for a Dream. By purchasing an R10 wristband and wearing slippers outside, individuals contribute to the organization’s mission. This campaign not only raises funds but also raises awareness about the challenges faced by children with life-threatening illnesses.
- Dream Riders: The Dream Riders are a dedicated team of cyclists who participate in the Telkom 94.7 Cycle Challenge each year. Their tireless efforts are motivated by the thought of the Reach for a Dream children, whose dreams they aim to fulfill. The team’s perseverance and determination serve as a testament to the power of the human spirit.