ANT KATZ

“It’s been almost three years since we lost our beloved son Dean, so tragically,” says Belinda Walt. However, she says, “there is not a day that goes by that we are not reminded of how Dean inspired us all, and ‘Giving Back’ is right up there on the list.”

Dean Walt (Walty to his friends at King David Sandton), died in a car accident. He would have turned 16 this year. In 2011, Dean’s schoolmates collected over R20,000 in his name – and so began the Dean Walty Fund.

Last year, The Dean Walty Fund was bolstered with over R145,000 when Isla Gaul ran the Two Oceans Ultra Marathon for this amazing Foundation – and also by Belinda organising a hugely successful action cricket and netball event in Dean’s memory and all of the boys and girls from Dean’s grade, as well as siblings and parents attended.

RIGHT: DEAN AS HIS
FRIENDS REMEMBER HIM

“We are truly committed to keeping Dean’s Dream alive, and to keeping Reach for a Dream at the centre of our cause,” she told Jewish Report Online. “We chose Reach for a Dream because our Dean had such big dreams and lived each day to the fullest and with such enthusiasm! He loved kids and would share his time, effort and smile with others.”

From adversity comes charity

Last year’s Cricket and Netball fundraiser “allowed Dean’s friends and lots of other kids to celebrate the fun-loving, loyal and enthusiastic spirit of our special son who enjoyed nothing more than a ‘good game’!” says Belinda.

It was more special than she and her family could ever have hoped for, says Belinda. More than 250 children, parents, siblings and grandparents filled the arena “and overwhelmed us with their good spirit and generosity. We all had such fun while celebrating Dean. Everyone left with awesome goody bags and great prizes,” she says.

The money raised by the fund has helped the Walts to give many children fighting life-threatening diseases the chance of having a special Dream granted, and thus giving them courage to keep on fighting.

So much so, that the Walts have been asked to make it an annual event. “So,” says Belinda, “on 6 April we are doing it again!” They will again be holding a fundraiser in the form of an afternoon of indoor cricket and netball for the kids.

Belinda’s appeal

“We know that not everyone can be a part of the kids’ fun day, so we’re asking the community to please find it in their hearts to be part of our fund-raising family by donating to this awesome charity that is run by the most special people,” says Belinda. The fund issues Section 18A tax certificates.

RIGHT: WALTY LOVED HIS CRICKET

She says that if anyone can assist by donating prizes it would be really appreciated too. There are seven in a netball team and eight in a cricket team.

“This is emotional stuff for us,” says Belinda’s friend Sibylle Sharon, “Dean was a very good friend of my son, Idan.” Their older sons, Dean’s brother Dylan and Sibylles’ Ori, finished matric last year at King David Victory Park together. Dylyn is now he is at Ulpan Kibbutz Maagan Michael ahead of joining the IDF later this year.

“One can still smile”

All Belinda wants is for the children to have a fun day and to show everyone that: “One can still smile,” she says. “Anything will be appreciated. If anyone would like to add something in the 250 goodie bags, we can do that too,” she says.

To make donations, the details are: Reach for a Dream foundation, FNB branch 254005 a/c 62004778695 and PLEASE REMEMBER TO USE Reference: DW and your cell number or name, she says. “And please email me so that we can keep track of your generosity at belinda@webmagic.co.za“.