Pretoria, Rosslyn – The GTR_Z Club and Nissan's "Reach for a Dream" raceway event for 21 terminally ill junior race enthusiasts identified by the Reach for a Dream Foundation was an overwhelming success. The excitement and laughter that pervaded the track as the boys took their turn in Nissan's iconic sports car was a triumph for the Club and its co-host Nissan.
In between the roaring of the engines of Nissan sports cars and Harley-Davidson motor bikes on the iconic Zwartkops racetrack, the kids and excited crowd were treated to a spectacular view of Nigel Hopkins' display of acrobatic stunts.
When the dust settled the children, aged between 10 and 18 who come from disadvantaged backgrounds, were still on 'cloud nine' after a morning of fun-filled activities. Without exception, they expressed delight at having been chosen for this once in a lifetime opportunity on the racetrack.
Asked how he enjoyed the experience, 10-year-old Nkosinathi Mbali giggled shyly before replying: "It was awesome. I'm going to buy a GTR when I'm older."
Natalie Lazaris, New Business Development Manager, Reach for A Dream Foundation, thanked Nissan and the GTR_Z Club for boosting the children's spirits and adding sparkle to their lives.
"One of the real joys of making these children's dreams come true," said Lazaris, " is that for one day they can dream and forget challenges they face."
Each year, the Reach for a Dream Foundation reaches out to 30 000 boys and girls. Since 1988, it has turned wishes into reality for hundreds of thousands of youngsters aged 3 to 18 who have been diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses.
Nancy Reddy, Product Manager, Nissan SA, heaped praise on the foundation for its unflagging commitment to children disadvantaged by both circumstances and ill health and for reminding spectators of what a privilege good health is.
"I would like to thank the Reach for a Dream Foundation for making a difference in my life," said Reddy. "It's been both a humbling and heart-warming experience to be able to spread a little joy to such deserving and brave children."
Chris Dahl, Chairperson of the GTR_Z Club challenged other companies to sponsor a dream and urged them to nominate Reach for a Dream as a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)partner. "I believe we succeeded in achieving what we set out to do, and that was to give the children a memorable day out doing something extraordinary and some real fun" said Dahl.
"The therapeutic benefits of helping others have long been recognised," said Reddy, "but bringing laughter to a child whose very existence is threatened by illness, is inestimable."
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