The organisation that helps children with life-threatening illnesses reach their dreams, is now helping a future pilot reach theirs too!
Since 1998, the Reach For a Dream (RFAD) Aircraft Raffle has successfully raffled an aircraft and pilot license course (PPL) each and every year. The proceeds raised over the past 20 years, have greatly assisted the Reach for a Dream foundation to fulfil the dreams of children with life-threatening illnesses. But in addition, the highflying fundraiser, has also helped realise the dreams of ordinary South Africans, hoping to obtain their PPL, and fly their very own aircraft.
“The whole thing started in 1998 when Dennis Jankelow and Debra Myburgh, from Dennis Jankelow & Associates (Aviation Insurance Brokers), came up with the concept of raffling a plane to raise funds in aid of RFAD. Dennis is passionate about our organisation and has been its biggest contributor.
That year we sold 2 000 tickets. We have kept the ticket price constant for twenty years, but now we sell 12 000 tickets. It’s a wonderfully successful promotion.”
Since last year, Reach for A Dream has taken over the campaign and operates out of the RFAD offices in Illovo.
As per the year’s before, this year there are only 12,000 tickets available, at a cost of R250 each. And this year’s aircraft is a four-seater, locally manufactured Jabiru J430, valued at over R1-million!!!
A live draw will take place at Melrose Arch, Gauteng, on Saturday, 7 July, 2018.
The Reach for a Dream Foundation has fulfilled over 18,300 children’s dreams. They have also touched the lives of over 45 000 more children through their various projects. They work to fulfil the dreams of children between the ages of 3 and 18 who are living with life-threatening illnesses.
“It’s so touching what they ask for. Kids from advantaged environments will ask for a trip to Disneyland, for example, while those from less advantaged backgrounds will dream about something simple like a Barbie doll. Many kids’ dreams are to meet a celebrity like a famous sportsman. The beauty of this programme is that it helps the child’s family also, as they share in their child’s joy.”
The dream team uses the special day to help each child regain some of their childhood which mostly consists of medical routines and being overly cautious.
To realise your dream in perhaps owning your own Aircraft… click here to buy a Raffle!
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