MOSSEL BAY NEWS - On Friday, 30 May, more than 100 locals gathered in their slippers to stand in solidarity with children facing life-threatening illnesses, marking Mossel Bay’s largest Slipper Day gathering to date.
Held at a local café in town, the event brought together 103 people and 206 slippers.
The Slipper Day group comprised individuals and supporters from local businesses, organisations and schools.
They donned their comfiest footwear to support the Reach For A Dream Foundation, a national charity that helps to make the dreams of critically ill children come true.
Esther Jacobs of the Earth Legacy Foundation, one of the organisations behind the event, said that for her the initiative was personal as her daughter, Alba Overbeeke, was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2017.
"Through her difficult journey, Reach For A Dream gave her something magical - a real treasure hunt at Bugz Playpark (Cape Town), complete with a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. That dream lifted her spirits during her darkest days," said Jacobs.
"This year, Alba finally reached remission. And now it’s our turn to pay it forward," she said.
The Earth Legacy Foundation, along with two local businesses, set out to support Slipper Day and create a visible, joyful wave of community care. And judging by the turnout, Mossel Bay truly stepped up to the plate.
Among the 103 people supporting the event was Mossel Bay Municipality's executive mayor Dirk Kotzé.
Jacobs said he offered words of encouragement and encouraged community spirit in a heartfelt speech that made the occasion even more meaningful.
“This initiative represents more than just a symbolic act; it is a show of solidarity with those facing difficult circumstances, from children in hospitals to families needing support.
"As a municipality, we recognise that our mission goes beyond infrastructure development. We are here to build communities, which are rooted in care, inclusivity, and shared responsibility," said Kotzé.
Jacobs added that while the slippers may come off, she hopes the message sticks: "Small actions can spark big hope."
She said: "If you missed it this year, you can still contribute by visiting reachforadream.org.za. Let’s continue building a town and a country where dreams matter."
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