There are few campaigns in South Africa that manage to blend warmth, whimsy, and purpose quite like Slipper Day. And in 2026, the beloved initiative returns with renewed energy, a bold target, and a simple call to action: slip into something comfortable and help change a child’s life.
On 29 May 2026, South Africans across the country will once again swap formal shoes for fluffy slippers in support of children facing serious and life-threatening illnesses. But behind the playful spirit lies a powerful mission—raising R15 million to make dreams come true.
A Movement Built on Hope
Led by Reach For A Dream Foundation, Slipper Day has been uniting the nation since 2011. Over the years, it has become more than just a fundraiser—it is a symbol of collective compassion.
Since its founding in 1988, the organisation has fulfilled almost 30,000 dreams for children battling conditions such as cancer, organ failure, and heart disease. Each dream, whether it’s meeting a hero, flying in a plane, or stepping into a dream career for a day, offers more than a moment of joy—it provides hope in the midst of hardship.
Every day, the foundation fulfils an average of seven dreams nationwide. In 2025 alone, 2,510 dreams were brought to life.
“These moments create a ripple effect,” says Julia Sotirianakos. “They extend beyond the child to families, medical teams, and entire communities.”
Fuzzy Facts, Real Impact
At the heart of this year’s campaign is a playful concept known as “Fuzzy Facts”—light-hearted, hard-to-prove claims designed to spark curiosity and conversation.
Does wearing slippers improve your mood by 61%? Maybe.
Do slippers boost productivity by 47%? Possibly.
But one fact is certain: 100% of proceeds from Slipper Day sticker sales go directly toward fulfilling dreams.
And that’s where the real magic lies.
Stories That Stay With You
Among the voices at this year’s launch was 18-year-old Zinokhanyo Nyangule, whose journey is a powerful reminder of why the campaign matters.
Having faced cancer three times, her dream of appearing on television was recently fulfilled.
“They asked me what my dream is and I said I want to be on TV—and they made it happen,” she shared. “That showed me that dreaming is important.”
It is stories like hers that transform Slipper Day from a campaign into a cause.
Do It for the Dreamers
This year, giving back comes with a few extra rewards.
By purchasing a Slipper Day sticker, participants stand a chance to win a share of R2 million in prizes, including treats, vouchers, movie tickets, and more from partners such as Wimpy, Dis-Chem Pharmacies, Crocs, Krispy Kreme, and Nu Metro.
On the day itself, wearing your sticker and slippers unlocks a small but satisfying reward—a free Famous Coffee or short hot chocolate at Wimpy.
Where to Get Involved
Slipper Day stickers are available from 13 April to 29 May at retailers nationwide, including:
- Wimpy
- Dis-Chem Pharmacies
- Baby City
- Crocs
- Crazy Store
- Toys R Us and Babies R Us
- Krispy Kreme
For those who prefer digital convenience, virtual stickers and themed slippers can be purchased online via the Reach For A Dream store. Schools and corporates can also place bulk orders, delivered by The Courier Guy.
More Than Just a Day
Slipper Day is not about fashion. It is about empathy. It is about stepping into someone else’s reality—even if just symbolically—and choosing to respond with kindness.
It is a reminder that while not every child’s journey can be changed, their experience of it can be transformed.
And sometimes, all it takes is a pair of slippers.
