Natalie Lazaris, the dynamic Head of Business at Reach For A Dream, has been an indispensable part of our journey since joining the dream team in 2012. For Natalie, every day at the Foundation is a day spent living her purpose and passion. This month, we delved into the profound impact working with children has had on her life and explored the exciting prospects that 2024 holds in store.

Natalie, since joining us in 2012, what has your journey with the Reach for a Dream Foundation been like?

It’s been an incredibly inspiring path. From a young age, I’ve always wanted to help children. Although I didn’t become a paediatrician as I initially thought I would, joining the Foundation has allowed me to fulfil that desire in a profound way.

What is it about the Foundation’s purpose that resonates most with you?

Our purpose resonates with my core goal of making a meaningful difference in children’s lives. My background in psychology and early work experience provided me with the skills and passion to support our dreamers, which has been a natural fit since day one.

After more than a decade at Reach For A Dream, how do you view your impact and experiences at the Foundation?

Reflecting on the past 12 years, I feel a deep sense of gratitude. Every day presents a new opportunity to connect with these incredible young minds. By cultivating partnerships, managing our resources wisely, and inspiring our team, we create moments of joy that have a lasting impact. These experiences have instilled in me a profound understanding of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of hope. It’s a journey that constantly reaffirms the value of our work.

As we approach Slipper Day on 31 May, could you tell us a little about what this day means to you and the Foundation?

Slipper Day is a highlight of our year at Reach For A Dream. It’s a day when individuals, schools, and businesses come together to show their support for our dreamers by wearing their supporter stickers and slippers. To me, it symbolizes solidarity and the collective power of small gestures making a big difference. The funds raised are crucial in enabling us to continue our work of making dreams come true for children who are going through their toughest battles. It’s a heartwarming day filled with community, compassion, and, of course, cozy slippers!

What new projects can we expect from Reach For A Dream in 2024?

We’re constantly looking for innovative ways to enhance our dream experiences. In 2024, we plan to launch a new project that will not only reach more children but also involve their families and communities more deeply in the process. We’re also focusing on sustainability and building stronger partnerships to ensure the longevity of our work. Keep an eye out for some exciting announcements throughout the year!