The  Distance  For  Difference  Story    

By  Stéphan  Pieterse  1  November  2015  

A  decade  of  grace  

 A  decade  of  grace   2  

Distance  For  Difference  was  founded  early  in  2005  as  a  response  to  the  broadcasting  of  images  of  total  devastation  and  people  in  need  after  the  Asian  Tsunami  of  26  December  2004.  Stéphan  Pieterse  asked  a  question...  

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What  can  I  do  to  make  a  difference  in  this  broken  world?  A  world  often  without  hope  and  without  answers  to  the  hardship  we  so  frequently  experience.  The  answer:  START  RUNNING.  Stéphan  started  

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running  to  make  a  difference  in  people’s  lives.  Since  those  first  few  strides  taken  in  January  2005,  many  other  athletes,  including  cyclists  and  swimmers,  have  joined  him.  Today,  more  than  a  decade  later,  Distance  For  Difference  (D4D)  is  making  a  significant  difference  in  the  lives  of  specifically  children  in  need  of  a  brighter  future.  

During  the  first  two  years  of  its  existence,  D4D  raised  a  total  of  R50,000.  During  the  following  eight,  this  shot  up  to  nearly  R4,000,000.  Funds  are  generated  by  mobilizing  athletes  and  assisting  them  to  raise  sponsorships  for  every  kilometer  which  they  complete  during  a  year  or  for  specific  events.  

“I  can  do  all  things...  ...  through  Christ  who  strengthens  me”      (Phil.  4:13)  

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Our  vision:      “Children  in  need  are  our  passion  in  deed”.  Our  dream  is  for  the  children  of  South  Africa  to  grow  up  in  stable  family  environments  where  the  fear  of  abuse  or  abandonment  is  absent;  with  access  to  quality  education,  so  that  they  can  become  adults  who  can  positively  contribute  to  the  future  of  South  Africa  and  its  people.    How  do  we  raise  funds?    Besides   individual   athletes   raising   funds,   D4D   currently  has   two   main   events   through   which   they   raise   funds.  Firstly   there   is   the   bi-­‐annual,   THE500,   a   24-­‐hour   cycling  and   spinning   event   that   is   organized   by   D4D.   The   first  THE500  was  first  held  in  2013.  This  event  has  a  fundraising  target   of   R500,000.   Secondly   there   is   the   annual   Cape  Town   Cycle   Tour,   previously   called   the  Argus   Cycle   Tour,  where   D4D   pre-­‐book   150   entries.   Cyclists   are   then  encourage   to   take   up   these   spots   and   to   raise   money  through   their   efforts   on   the   day   of   the   110   km   cycling  event.    D4D  assists  individual  athletes,  for  example  someone  who  would  like  to  run  1,000  km  during  a  year,  like  Stéphan  did  during   the   first   few   years,   and   those   signing   up   for   the  above   mentioned   events,   to   raise   sponsorships   via   web  based  sponsorship  pages.      Each   athlete   is   responsible   for   approaching   their   friends,  family  members  and  colleagues  for   sponsorship  for  every  kilometer  they  complete.      Many  of  our  athletes  target  other  specific  events  for  their  fundraising   efforts,   including   the   ABSA   Cape   EPIC,  Ironman,  Two  Oceans  and  Comrades  Ultra  Marathons.      D4D   also   has   a   limited   number   of   committed   monthly  donors  both  in  South  Africa  and  overseas.  

“We  make  a  living...  ...  by  what  we  get.  We  make  a  life  by  what  we  give.”    (Winston  Churchill)  

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“What  you  can  do,  we  cannot  do,  and  what  we  can  do,  you  cannot  do,  but  together  we  can  do  something  beautiful”  (Mother  Teresa)  

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D4D  is  a  registered  Section  21  company    (Registration  number:  2003/028061/08)  and  public  benefit  organisation  (PBO  number:  930  018  736).  A  board  of  seven  directors  headed  up  by  the  founder,  Stéphan  Pieterse,  manages  the  organisation.  All  the  directors  have  full  time  occupations  and  do  their  work  for  D4D  on  a  pro-­‐bono  and  after  hours  basis.  

The  board  has  decided  to  approve  the  appointment  of  one  office  administrator,  responsible  for  all  admin,  in  June  2015.  This  is  a  half-­‐day  position.  

Organisations   working   with   children   in   need   are  required   to   complete   a   very   detailed   request   for  financial   assistance   (RFA),   available   for   download   on  D4D’s   website,   which   is   then   reviewed   by   the   D4D  directors.    Where  possible,   a   physical   inspection/visit  of  the  applying  organisation  will  typically  form  part  of  such  a  review  process.    

A  decision  on  the  amount  and  frequency  of  support  is  then   taken  at  one  of  D4D’s  quarterly  board  meetings  and  the  funds  then  distributed  accordingly.    

The   appropriate   use   of   the   allocated   money   is   also  closely   monitored   for   the   duration   of   the  commitment.  

 

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How  are  the  funds  managed  and  distributed?  

Safety  of  donations  

D4D’s   finances   are   audited   by   our   Cape   Town   based  accountants,   Financial   Hub.   We   have   an   open   book  policy   and   our   financial   statements   may   be   viewed   at  any  time.    

A  few  recent  beneficiaries  

• Atlantic   Hope:   R18,000   towards   their   monthly  running   costs.   “Thank   you   so   much   for   the  donation!!!  We  are   so   grateful   for   it  and   thank   you  for   coming  all   the  way   to  meet   us   -­‐   it  was   great   to  meet  such  like-­‐minded,  amazing  people!”  

• Sylvia  Frank’s  Foster  Care:  R120,000  towards  mainly  the   cost   of   education   for   nine   children.   “I   have   no  words.  Thank  you  so  much.  D4D  has  given  more  than  I   had   hoped   for   and   released   the   pressure   once  more.”  

• Child   Welfare   Durban   &   District:   R8,000   for   the  purchase  of  two  double  bunk  beds  and  a  top  loader  washer   for   two   of   the   family   homes.   “On  behalf   of  our   Board   of   Governors,   the   Executive   Director   and  the   children   placed   in   our   care,   we   would   like   to  Thank  You  for  your  generosity.  We  are  humbled  to  be  beneficiaries  of  Distance  For  Difference...  Thank  you  for   making   a   tangible   difference   in   the   lives   of   our  children.”  

•Uyavula   Reading   &   Writing   Project:   R6,000  donation   towards   administrative   costs.   “Sincere  thanks  to  the  board  of  D4D  for  financial  assistance  to  the   Uyavula   Reading   and  Writing   Project,   it   is   such  good  news.  It  is  wonderful  to  know  that  you  support  us,   also   through   your   prayers,   as  we   strive   to   bring  the  Kingdom  and  the  Heavenly  Father's  will  to  prevail  in  the  lives  of  children,  it  means  a  lot.”  

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A  few  personal  insights  by  Stéphan  

In  his  book  "A  million  miles  in  a  thousand  years",  Donald  Miller  talks  about  creating  and  writing  a  good  life  story.  He  says  and  I  quote,  “If  the  point  of  life  is  the  same  as  the  point  of  a  story,  the  point  of  life  is  character  transformation."  Over  the  years,  the  character  in  my  life's  story  has  definitely  been  transformed  as  a  result  of  my  involvement  with  children  in  need  and  helping  to  create  a  better  future  for  them.    

During  this  time  I  also  had  to  learn  a  few  hard  life  lessons.  There  was  a  time  when  I  was  so  pre-­‐occupied  to  make  a  difference  in  the  lives  of  others  in  need,  that  I  failed  to  see  the  need  my  own  family  members  had  for  my  time,  love  and  guidance.    During  the  last  decade  I  spent  hours  and  hours  managing  D4D  and  subsequently  I  neglected  my  loved  ones.    

I  realized  I  to  seriously  had  to  consider  the  future  of  D4D.  After  some  serious  thinking  and  praying,  I  received  the  answer  to  continue,  but  under  specific  conditions  .  Two  of  them  being  the  appointment  of  an  administrator  and  getting  the  D4D  board  members  to  re-­‐commit  to  the  cause.  So,  the  best  life  lesson  I’ve  learned  is...  

Live  a  life  of  significance,  but  make  sure  it  starts  at  home!  After  experiencing  what  can  be  achieved    during  the  months  before  the  inaugural  THE500  in  2013,  by  a  team  of  committed  individuals  each  bringing  their  strengths  to  the  table,  I  vowed  to  never  again  attempt  to  do  things  on  my  own  and  to  let  others  do  their  bit.    

Shifting  the  focus  from  your  own  needs  to  those  of  others  will  change  your  life  forever.  Your  character  WILL  be  transformed.  I  can  guarantee  that.    Today  I  am  still  writing  my  story  and  I  am  still  being  transformed  on  a  daily  basis.  Is  your  page  still  empty?  It  does  not  need  to  stay  that  way...  

 

“We  can’t  help  everyone,  but  everyone  can  

help  someone.”  -­‐  Ronald  Reagan  

“The  greatest  good  you  can  do  for  another  is  not  just  to  share  your  riches  but  to  reveal  to  him  his  own.”  

-­‐  Benjamin  Disraeli  

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Meet  our  directors  Stéphan  Pieterse  People  and  Organisational  Development  Manager    What  did  you  do  after  Matric?:    B.Eng  (Mechanical)  degree  at  Stellenbosch  University  in  1995  What  is  your  day  job?  After  a  12  year  engineering  career  I  made  a  career  change  and  for  the  last  7  years  I've  worked  towards  becoming  an  Organisational  Development  (OD)  Specialist.  In  a  nutshell,  OD  is  about  ensuring  humanity  in  the  workplace  and  helping  employees  to  unlock  their  full  potential.  I  work  for  an  amazing  company,  Pragma,  a  leader  in  the  field  of  Professional  Physical  Asset  Management  Services.  When  did  you  join  D4D?  Started  D4D  in  2005  (then  called  "Running  for  their  lives")  Why  are  you  involved  in  D4D?  D4D  was  born  out  of  the  devastating  scenes  of  the  Asian  Tsunami  of  26  December  2004.  That  event  moved  me  to  ask  the  question,  "What  can  I  do  to  make  a  difference  in  this  world?"  Through  running  I  could  raise  funds  and  make  a  small  difference.  Being  a  director  of  D4D  makes  me  responsible  for  handling  the  funds  being  channeled  through  us  to  children  in  need,  with  wisdom,  integrity  and  accountability.  Tell  us  more  about  your  family.  I  married  the  most  amazing  woman,  Yolanda,  in  1998.  We  have  two  beautiful  daughters,  Caro  ('01)  and  Karla  ('04).  We  are  in  the  privileged  position  of  homeschooling  our  daughters.  What  sport  do  you  do?  Any  tough  events  done?  I've  done  a  lot  of  running  in  the  last  decade  and  completed  three  consecutive  and  life  changing  Comrades  Marathons.  Running  took  a  toll  on  my  knees  and  these  days  I  am  probably  more  suited  for  cycling.  I’ve  completed  8  Argus  Cycle  Tours,  but  perhaps  it’s  time  to  swop  the  road  bike  for  a  MTB...  I  feel  a  bit  left  out  these  days.  :)  What  are  your  future  dreams  for  D4D?  D4D's  first  decade  was  one  in  which  I  realised  how  little  I  can  do  alone  and  how  much  can  be  achieved  as  a  team.  My  dream  is  for  us  to  make  it  possible  for  more  people  and  organisations  to  use  D4D  as  a  platform  for  making  a  difference  and  to  use  us  as  a  responsible  distributor  of  donated  funds,  ensuring  that  their  money  makes  a  difference,  where  it  is  really  needed  and  it  is  utilised  with  integrity  and  accountability.  One  last  thing  and  one  of  my  life  lessons:  "Live  a  life  of  significance,  but  make  sure  it  starts  at  home."    

 Shawn  Roets  Regional  Manager  Western  Cape    What  did  you  do  after  Matric?:    I  matriculated  at  John  Vorster  High  School,  and  studied  B.  Compt  at  Unisa,    whilst  doing  my  articles  at  a  small  chartered  accounting  firm.  What  is  your  day  job?  Western  Cape  Regional  Manager  at  Voltex.  When  did  you  join  D4D?  2007  Why  are  you  involved  in  D4D?  The  need  to  do  something  for  others,  especially  children,  are  very  dear  to  me,  and  to  live  a  life  that  leaves  a  legacy,  in  all  aspects  thereoff.  Tell  us  more  about  your  family.  I  have  a  lovely  wife,  Erica,  and  we  have  been  married  for  almost  16  years.  We  have  been  blessed  with  two  beautiful  daughters,  Tamryn  and  Jenna-­‐Lee.    What  sport  do  you  do?  Any  tough  events  done?  My  first  love  is  running  and  then  cycling,  but  I  enjoy  most  sports.    I  love  the  challenge  of  endurance  events.  I  have  completed  3  Comrades  Marathons  and  10  Argus  Cycle  Tours.    What  are  your  future  dreams  for  D4D?  To  mature  into  an  organisation  that  makes  a  continuous  difference  in  the  lives  of  others.  D4D  should  be  a  vehicle  for  people  to  channel  funds  to  good  causes  and  to  see  many  of  the  children  we  have  assisted  over  the  years  growing  to  adulthood,  living  blessed  and  successful  lives.    

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Meet  our  directors  

Willem  Coetzee  CEO    What  did  you  do  after  Matric?:    Studied  B.Eng.  (Mechanical)    and  later  also  MBA,  both  at  US.  What  is  your  day  job?  CEO,  Kromco  (Pty)  Ltd.  When  did  you  join  D4D?  2015  Why  are  you  involved  in  D4D?  I  know  Stéphan  from  varsity  days  and  believe  in  the  cause  and  values  of  D4D.    I  want  to  serve  and  support  D4D  where  I  can  to  eventually  contribute  in  making  the  difference.  Tell  us  more  about  your  family.  Amazing,  awesome  and  very  active...  Wife,  Elsmarie  and  3  kids;  Karli  (13),  Johann  (10)  and  Willan  (3).  What  sport  do  you  do?  Any  tough  events  done?  Used  to  play  rugby.  Nowadays,  I  spend  time  in  the  mountains  on  my  bike.    I  love  stage  races  and  completed  the  Cape  Epic  (2),  Wines  2  Whales  (4),  Sani  2  C  (1),  Dr  Evil  Classic  (1)  and  the  Swazi  Frontier  (2).    I've  also  completed  THE500  in  2013    What  are  your  future  dreams  for  D4D?  To  grow  the  difference!    To  be  recognized  as  a  difference  maker!    

 

Emile  Kotze  Superintendent    What  did  you  do  after  Matric?:    I  studied  B.Sc.  (Human  Movement  Studies)  at  Stellenbosch  University,  But  unfortunately  I  did  not  complete  my  studies.  What  is  your  day  job?  Superintendent  at  Gordons  Bay  Waste  Water  Treatment  Works  of  The  City  of  Cape  Town.  When  did  you  join  D4D?  2007  Why  are  you  involved  in  D4D?  I  enjoy  doing  distance  events  and  combining  it  with  attending  to  the  needs  of  children,  is  a  privilege  and  something  I  feel  I  can  do  to  be  the  hands  and  feet  of  Jesus  Christ  while  I  am  still  on  earth.    Tell  us  more  about  your  family.  I  was  married  for  14  years,  but  unfortunately  has  been  divorced.    We  have  a  lovely  son  of  nearly  6  years  old.    What  sport  do  you  do?  Any  tough  events  done?  Road  running,  cycling  and  hiking.  10  Winelands  Marathons,  9  Two  Oceans  Marathons,  3  Comrades  Marathons,  5  Argus  Cycle  Tours,  2013  THE500  incomplete,  Fish  River  Canyon  Trail.    What  are  your  future  dreams  for  D4D?  I  pray  that  the  Lord  will  guide  us  to  where  He  wants  us  to  go,  but  my  dream  is  that  we  will  be  a  channel  through  which  money  flows  to  children  in  need,  to  uplift  their  dignity  and  self-­‐esteem.  We  should  have  a  positive  impact  on  society,  but  most  importantly  the  Kingdom  of  God.      

 

 A  decade  of  grace   8  

Meet  our  directors  

Yolanda  Pieterse  Homeschool  Mom    What  did  you  do  after  Matric?:    I  did  a  National  Diploma  in  Food  Service  Management  at  the    Cape  Technikon's  Hotel  School  in  Granger  Bay.  What  is  your  day  job?  I  homeschool  our  two  daughters  and  manage  our  household.  When  did  you  join  D4D?  2005  Why  are  you  involved  in  D4D?  I  see  it  as  a  wonderful  opportunity  to  support  my  husband,  Stéphan,  in  this  worthwhile  cause  and  to  obey  God's  command  in  James  1:27:  ”Religion  that  God  our  Father  accepts  as  pure  and  faultless  is  this:  to  look  after  orphans  and  widows  in  their  distress  and  to  keep  oneself  from  being  polluted  by  the  world."  Tell  us  more  about  your  family.  I  have  been  married  to  my  hero,  Stéphan,  for  almost  17  years.  We  were  blessed  with  two  beautiful  daughters,  Caro  and  Karla.  What  sport  do  you  do?  Any  tough  events  done?  I  have  completed  two  half  marathons,  the  Winelands  and  Two  Oceans,  which  was  a  huge  accomplishment  for  me.  These  days  I  have  to  resort  to  walking,  seeing  that  I'm  battling  with  knee  problems.  Hopefully  I  can  start  running  again  soon.  What  are  your  future  dreams  for  D4D?  My  first  dream  for  D4D  is  that  we  will  be  able  to  glorify  God  through  everything  that  we  do  and  that  God  will  use  humble  and  ordinary  people  to  do  what  He  guides  us  to  do.  Secondary  to  that,  I  dream  of  the  day  when  Stéphan  and  I  can  be  involved  in  D4D  on  a  full  time  basis.  

 James  Anderson  Financial  Planner    What  did  you  do  after  Matric?:    I  firstly  completed  my  national  duty  and  then  studied  marketing    at  the  Pretoria  Technikon    What  is  your  day  job?  I  am  a  financial  planner  and  the  owner  of  Guardian  Financial  Planning.  When  did  you  join  D4D?  2008  Why  are  you  involved  in  D4D?  I  have  confidence  in  Stéphan’s  leadership  and  his  idea  and  vision  for  D4D.  I  decided  to  join  to  help  make  a  difference  in  the  lives  of  the  less  fortunate.    Tell  us  more  about  your  family.  I  am  married  to  Altricia  and  have  two  sons,  Brendan  (13)  and  Dean  (7).    What  sport  do  you  do?  Any  tough  events  done?  Mostly  running.  I  completed  the  Comrades  Marathon  in  2005,  2006  and  2008.    What  are  your  future  dreams  for  D4D?  To  grow  the  number  of  registered  D4D  athletes  that  wants  to  raise  funds,  beyond  all  expectation,  and  thereby  continuing  to  help  those  that  are  less  fortunate.      

 

 A  decade  of  grace   9  

Meet  our  directors  

Jacques  van  Niekerk  Attorney    What  did  you  do  after  Matric?:    BA  LLB  What  is  your  day  job?  Attorney  When  did  you  join  D4D?  2008  Why  are  you  involved  in  D4D?  I  cannot  run,  cycle  or  swim  competitively,  therefore  it  was  the  only  way  I  could  make  a  difference.    Tell  us  more  about  your  family.  I  have  a  wonderful  wife,  Therine  and  two  sons,  Jasper  and  Petrus,  currently  being  homeschooled.    What  sport  do  you  do?  Any  tough  events  done?  Sport?  What  are  your  future  dreams  for  D4D?  Firstly,  I  want  to  see  a  difference  in  the  lives  of  children  suffering  undue  hardship,  especially  those  who  fall  through  the  cracks  of  the  usual  social  welfare  programmes  and  institutions.  Secondly,  I  want  D4D  to  be  an  inspiration  to  others  to  make  a  difference.      

 

 A  decade  of  grace   10  

More  from  our  album  

 A  decade  of  grace   11  

                     

                                 

                       

                       

                             

                       

                       

A  few  of  the  companies  that  have  donated  to  and  supported  D4D’s  cause...    

 

 

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To  God  belongs  the  glory!  Physical  Address:  8  Heritage  Close,  Heritage  Park,  Somerset  West  

Postal  Address:  P.O.  Box  576,  Somerset  West,  7129