Distance For Difference (D4D) celebrates two decades of making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children this year, raising over R13 million for various children’s charities and individual children in need.
To commemorate the milestone, D4D invites the public to join two exciting fundraising events and be part of the celebration.
The festivities start with The Gratitude Run at the scenic Dornier Wines in Stellenbosch on Heritage Day (Wednesday 24 September). The event offers a heart-pumping start to the day with a fun run/walk and trail runs through the vineyards.
This year’s edition is especially meaningful, honouring both shared heritage and D4D’s 20 years of impact, with every entry helping to build brighter futures for children in need.
Next up is the ultimate test of endurance with The500 24-Hour Cycling and Spinning Challenge at De Hoop Primary School in Somerset West from 10:00 on Saturday 18 October until 10:00 on Sunday 19 October. Cyclists will push themselves to cover 500 km in just 24 hours, with the brand-new Team of Two Challenge adding fresh excitement.
Alongside the cycling, the 24-Hour Spinning Challenge returns with high-energy instructors, and perhaps a few fearless participants even attempting all 24 classes back-to-back. Companies, organisations and schools are encouraged to enter teams to occupy a spinning bike for 24 hours.
Stéphan Pieterse, founder and chairperson of D4D, reflects: “When I founded D4D in 2005, my dream was simple – to run in order to change lives. Twenty years later, we’ve raised more than
R13 million, supported over 60 children’s charities, and witnessed incredible stories of hope and transformation. From future Springbok stars like Gino Cupido to children like Tesswin Douries thriving with specialised education, D4D is proof of what’s possible when people unite around a cause.”
He adds that through events like The500, the Gratitude Run, and now Swim 4 Hope and Hike with Purpose, the organisation has created opportunities for cyclists, runners, swimmers, and hikers to make a difference while doing what they love. “At its heart, D4D is a community of people who give freely of their time, talents, and resources. As we look to the future, we believe the best way to celebrate 20 years is to keep doing what we love – making a difference,” Pieterse says.
Individuals, families, schools, and businesses are invited to get involved through participation, donation, volunteering, or sponsoring.
- For further information, send an email to distance4difference@gmail.com or visit www.d4dsa.co.za.
