Distance For Difference (D4D) raised R133 542 through their annual gratitude run on Heritage Day. Directing over 90% of the funds to beneficiaries, every entry helps support vulnerable children in need, said Stéphan Pieterse, founder director and chairman of D4D.
Rosanne van der Merwe and Rian Dickason crossed the finish line at the gratitude run on 24 September. The event welcomed over 800 entrants on Heritage Day at Dornier Wine Estate, said Stéphan Pieterse, founder director and chairman of D4D. PHOTO: Zeta Soule
The gratitude run attracted about 800 entrants on Heritage Day, at Dornier Wine Estate, Pieterse said. Events included, a 5km fun run/walk, open to all ages; a 10km trail run; a 20km trail run which was an unofficial trail half-marathon where two loops of the 10km and 500 metres was completed; and a 3x4x5 team relay, with an initial goal of raising R200 000 for the beneficiaries, according to their website.
According to its website, D4D, exists to stand in the gap for vulnerable and financially needy children and young people, especially in cases where smaller organisations, caregivers or initiatives have limited access to other support.
They support several beneficiaries, which include, Tzadokah Foster Home, Sylvia’s House Foster Care, Esther van Zyl Foster Care, Gabriella Centre Kingdom Kids Creche and Hagar’s Choice.
“What matters is that we’re putting smiles on people’s faces and making a difference,” Pieterse said.
Children with profound disabilities across the Western Cape face a significant gap in care and support, said Sabrina Chalmers, operations manager at Gabriella Centre, is a residential and day care facility for children and young adults with profound physical and intellectual disabilities. She said their needs are often overlooked.
“[The children’s] care is 24/7 and requires specialised equipment, therapy, medical support and trained caregivers. The cost is significant, and government funding does not cover the full cost of caring for all the children we support,” she said.
D4D’s financial backing has enabled Gabriella Centre to purchase mobility aids and assistive devices while ensuring children without family support can access care without fees, Chalmers said.
(From left) Caro Pieterse, the administrative office manager of Distance For Difference; Ruzanne Coetzee; and Andre Coetzee. The Coetzees celebrate Heritage Day with their foster child after completing the 5KM fun run/walk at the gratitude run as a family, Ruzanne said. PHOTO: Zeta Soule
Sylvia Frank, founder of Sylvia’s House Foster Care, has for the past 25 years opened her home to abandoned and abused children. The work became unsustainable when financial strain threatened to force closure, Frank said.
“D4D came into our lives like an answer to a prayer,” Frank said. “Although my heart was big enough, my income wasn’t.”
With the support of D4D, Frank is able to continue providing therapy and special education for children in her care, she said.
Yet Frank identified a broader systemic gap – children who age out of the foster care system lack safe spaces, accommodation and mentorship as they transition to adulthood.
(From left) Anga Mpaphela, Esihle Mahlahla and Portia Mothetho completed the 5 km fun run/walk at the gratitude run on 24 September at Dornier Wine Estate. It was their first time participating in the event. “You feel good because we’re making a difference,” Mpaphela said. PHOTO: Zeta Soule
Rosanne van der Merwe and her partner Rian Dickason, who ran their first 10km trail, at the event said it had been well organised and that completing the route had been exciting.
“When the announcer told us what the race was about, it was very touching,” she said. “It’s fantastic and awesome to think of doing something for a cause greater than ourselves.”
“You feel good because we’re making a difference,” said Anga Mpaphela, who completed the 5km trail run. “Even though we’re not the ones coordinating it, being part of it makes us feel good.”