Laughter Heroes
Laughter is the best medicine
The healing power of laughter
Laughter not only lifts spirits but also promotes mental, physical and emotional well-being by boosting the immune system, reducing pain and alleviating stress. This is why laughter is one of the key ingredients of our Laughter Hero project, which we established in 2007 to bring therapeutic entertainment to children in public hospitals across South Africa.
Through arts-based activities like comedy, juggling, magic, mime and storytelling, our Laughter Heroes not only stimulate joy but also provide children with much-needed relief and a sense of normalcy amidst their treatments.
Our impact
In 2023 alone, our Laughter Heroes brought smiles to the faces of 11,085 children. Each one of these smiles represents a moment of triumph over adversity, a testament to the healing power of laughter.
The benefits of therapeutic entertainment go beyond supporting children with life-threatening illnesses. They extend to their caregivers and families, as well as the doctors, nurses and other healthcare practitioners in the wards.
In our programme, laughter is the focus. For a while, children forget about needle pricks and procedures. It's all about joy.
Pediatric Oncology, Red Cross Hospital
As a mum, the experience of seeing the laughter hero play with the kids was truly the best moment of my life. In that fleeting moment of happiness, all of the worries and fears faded away, replaced by an overwhelming sense of love and gratitude. It was a reminder that even in the midst of adversity, there is always something to be grateful for, and for that, I will forever be thankful to the laughter hero who brought a moment of light into our lives.
Kethiwe, mom
Laughter as Medicine: The Health Benefits of Joy
Reach For A Dream’s Laughter Hero, Laetitia Spence, gives children much-needed delight and medicinal laughter to help them as they battle long-term illnesses in hospital.
Get involvedGet involved
Corporations or businesses looking to sponsor our Laughter Heroes project, speak to our team to find out how you can make a difference.
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