Reach For A Dream launches the Slipper Shuffle dance challenge and song, ‘Step Up’, to make dreams come true for children with life-threatening illnesses

Johannesburg, South Africa – 4 April 2023: Reach For A Dream today launched the Slipper Shuffle, a nationwide dance challenge designed to get South Africans on their feet and into their slippers in support of its largest annual fundraiser, Slipper Day.

Slipper Day calls on South Africans to buy a R20 supporter sticker, and wear it together with their slippers, on 5 May 2023. All proceeds raised from the day go to Reach For A Dream to help children fight a serious disease by making their dreams – such as producing their own song, meeting an idol or getting a new doll house – come true.

Reach For A Dream CEO, Julia Sotirianakos, says: “We created the Slipper Shuffle challenge as a fun way for South Africans to show their support for Slipper Day, and most importantly, the children we serve. By stepping up and joining our Slipper Shuffle challenge, you can inspire hope and make a real difference in these youngsters’ lives,” says Julia Sotirianakos, CEO of Reach For A Dream.

The non-profit organisation partnered with TikTok sensation and teacher Mrs Bullock, who choreographed the Slipper Shuffle. It comprises a simple, five-step dance sequence, which can be easily executed in slippers.

“It’s a big dream of mine to be involved in a campaign like this, and support Reach For A Dream in creating memorable and joyous moments for children who are battling serious conditions. The dance is based on my favourite dance style, amapiano. It’s simple and vibey – something that anyone from any age group can do. My hope is that millions of South Africans participate in the Slipper Shuffle challenge to create widespread awareness and raise funds for this incredible cause,” says Bullock.

The challenge is accompanied by a new hybrid dance track called ‘Step Up’, featuring the soulful vocals of Bronté Borcherds, a singer and past dreamer.
Borcherds was diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis at the age of nine and spent a lot of her childhood in a hospital receiving treatment. When she was 16-years-old, Reach For A Dream fulfilled her dream by taking her to Sony Studios, where she recorded a song with Loyiso Balla, an award-winning musician and broadcaster. Now 14 years later, the charity called upon Borcherds to help create its Slipper Day theme song in a bid to inspire all South Africans to step up and rally behind children with life-threatening illnesses.

“’Step Up’ is about believing that your goals and dreams are attainable; that even on your worst days, the sad days, the days when you literally have to pick yourself off the floor, there is light at the end of the tunnel,” says Borcherds. “Ultimately, it’s a song about hope and encourages everyone to use the power of their dreams to overcome obstacles.”

Borcherds collaborated with Neil Engel of Freq’ncy Audio, who composed and produced the track with amapiano undertones and pop flavours.
“Freq’ncy Audio is proud to be involved in producing this track. We can’t wait to do the Slipper Shuffle, and encourage the rest of South Africa to so too. Together, we can help make many more special dreams become a reality,” says Lauren Bond, Executive Producer at Freq’ncy Audio.

How to get involved:

1. Wear your slippers and R20 Slipper Day sticker, which can be purchased from Wimpy, Pick n Pay, Dis-Chem Pharmacies, ToyZone or Dis-Chem Baby City.
2. Watch the step-by-step tutorial or the full 30 second Slipper Shuffle
3. Download the Slipper Day theme song ‘Step Up’ here or the 30 second social media cut here
4. Film yourself doing #SlipperShuffle
5. Post it on social media and challenge your friends, businesses, or schools to do it too
6. Hashtag #ReachForADream, #SlipperDay2023 and #SlipperShuffle

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About Reach For A Dream

Reach For A Dream has been one of the country’s most recognisable and credible charities for the last 35 years. Off the back of being awarded the CSI Legacy award for Best NGO in South Africa for 2022, the Foundation has grown from strength to strength by encouraging children to use the power of their dreams to fight life-threatening illnesses and make these dreams come true. Please visit www.reachforadream.org.za for more information.
To donate to the Foundation, please visit: https://reachforadream.org.za/donate/
To refer a child, please visit: https://reachforadream.org.za/refer-a-child/

Media contact:
Birgit Deibele: Birgit@reachforadream.org.za
Follow Reach For A Dream on Social Media:
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Instagram: @reach_for_a_dream
Twitter: @ReachForADream
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TikTok: @reach_for_a_dream
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/reachforadream