Signature Of Hope Trust - Annual Report (19 Jan) LARGE

ANNUAL REPORT
2017

NPO Number: 196-195NPO
PBO Number: 9300044595

CONTENTS 4
6
Our Story 8
Vision, Mission, Ethos, Values 10
A Message From Our Chairman 12
A Message From Our General Manager 14
Making A Difference 16
Fundraising Events 18
Special Donations 20
Our Year In Numbers 22
Words From Our Beneficiaries 24
Nothing Is Impossible 28
2018 And Beyond 34
Our Ray Of Hope 36
Become An Agent Of Change In 2018
Keep In Touch

NPO Number: 196-195NPO
PBO Number: 9300044595

OUR STORY NPO Number: 196-195NPO 5
PBO Number: 9300044595
Established in 2013, the Signature of Hope Trust
(SOHT) is a registered non-profit, public benefit (18A)
organisation, structured as a charitable trust. It was
initiated by four goal driven achievers who share a
vision of “giving back” and participating in projects that
will empower young minds.
We are driven by our determination to create a culture
of self-empowerment and sustainable development
within vulnerable communities across Africa.

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VISION

Empowering people,
Building communities and
Changing lives on the African continent.

MISSION

To equip and empower not just individuals, but whole communities to rise
above their hardships and reach full academic potential - regardless of
financial status.
In turn, breaking the generational cycles of poverty.

ETHOS

Treat all individuals with respect, care and appreciation.
Education is a right; not a privilege.
Be the small change you wish to see in your community.
Always inspire HOPE around you.

6 www.signatureofhopetrust.org VALUES 7

Uphold a core principle of sustainability.
Transparency in all areas of business.
Holistic engagement with all stakeholders.

NPO Number: 196-195NPO
PBO Number: 9300044595

A MESSAGE FROM OUR CHAIRMAN NPO Number: 196-195NPO 9
PBO Number: 9300044595
Our small and dedicated team at Signature of Hope has been working in disadvantaged
communities and making a difference to vulnerable children for three years. And
what a whirlwind of a year 2017 has been. It is one I’ll personally never forget - with
the obvious highlight of the Trust getting involved with Chris Bertish and the SUP
Crossing. What a remarkable man, and what a remarkable task to cross the Atlantic
Ocean on a stand-up paddle (SUP) for charity.

It is not often we meet someone in life that has set a goal that can only be described as
an almost unbelievable feat. While the politicians reached a level of unprecedented
infamy in the name of power and greed this year, here was a true South African
hero, willing to endure the kind of danger that could have cost him his life, not at
certain junctions, but every hour around the clock for approximately 120 days. Chris
Bertish took five years to plan the extraordinary feat that put him in the history books
as the first man to paddle 7500 kilometres across the ocean - all in the name of
philanthropy. He sacrificed everything he had because of his desire to promote the
welfare of children, and to collect data for oceanic research.

“Create a vision and never let the environment, other people’s beliefs, or the limits of what
has been done in the past shape your decisions.”

Giving more than hope
Supporting at-risk children is a cornerstone of what SOHT stands for. The importance
of education in a child’s life is the key to creating potential, despite the demographics
of living standards - it’s the key to breaking the cycle of poverty. This year, the Trust
focused on education and literacy at early childhood development centres, and it’s an
area we will continue to develop in 2018.

I find the words of Viktor Frankl particularly useful: “…success, like happiness, cannot
be pursued; it must ensue as the unintended side-effect of one’s personal dedication
to a course greater than oneself”. I believe Signature of Hope has had great success
in 2017 – anchoring its roots as a committed and professional Trust, impacting lives
whether in big ways - or small, and spreading hope. Because a thread of hope, a
single smile, a show of respect and an attitude of encouragement goes a very long
way to make a difference in life. I thank all our supporters for putting your trust and
your funds into Signature of Hope, we look forward to a good measure of success
together in 2018!

Yours in philanthropy,
Craig Featherby

8 www.signatureofhopetrust.org

A MESSAGE FROM OUR
GENERAL MANAGER

We made great impact and progress together in 2017 - a year where our brand
crossed the Atlantic Ocean on a tiny vessel through weather and wind, turning tides,
rough seas and changing currents – such a metaphor for the year we’ve faced in
South Africa. But along with all of that comes the sunshine, the calm, the beauty
of the landscape and for us at Signature of Hope – the victories both big and small
in support of those who are most vulnerable - made possible by you our gracious
donors, volunteers and sponsors.

“If you put enough energy behind a spark – you’ll create a flame that has
life-long impact.”

In 2017, Signature of Hope created a ‘Champion of Yes’ culture, both inside and outside
of the organisation. It’s the conviction that anything is possible - and to optimistically
believe that you can bring about change bit by bit.

This year we:
• Strengthened our collaborations within the non-profit (NPO) sector. Signature of

Hope formally entered into Grant Giving with three hard-working NPO’s, selected
for making great inroads into this space. All three are aligned with the Trust, as
their focus is on the wellbeing of children.
• Celebrated the first ever transatlantic crossing on a stand-up paddle by incredible
South African waterman, Chris Bertish. We fully supported the campaign’s
fundraising activities on behalf of Operation Smile SA, The Lunchbox Fund and
Signature of Hope.
• Collaborated with Shine Literacy, which pointed our compass towards developing
a literacy programme to be implemented in 2018.
• Improved our legislative and corporate governance structures within the
organisation to ensure that we are able to provide each beneficiary with the
highest level of professionalism and transparency.
• Grew from strength to strength every month and are now ready to expand our
operational team and move into bigger premises.
• Enhanced our brand reputation in 2017 to personify what we stand for: an all-in,
bold, brave, ever-present, authentic, transparent and professional Trust.

We continue to build on the legacy of our Founder, and are determined to impart true
value to those less fortunate. We are grateful to have such wonderful partners – your
contributions and expertise enable us to shine a ray of hope wherever we go.

Thank you for being a Champion of Yes!
Natalie Philander

10 www.signatureofhopetrust.org NPO Number: 196-195NPO 11
PBO Number: 9300044595

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

SIGNATURE ACHIEVEMENTS

Food for Learning X-treme Fundraising

January - December 2017 January - December 2017

Noluntu’s Community Soup Kitchen, fondly Through a partnership with adventurer
known as Ria’s kitchen in Kayelitsha feeds and philanthropist - Chris Bertish,
about 60 children every day. SOH Trust was chosen as one of the
beneficiaries of his epic SUP Crossing.
In 2017, the Trust was able to fund this
Western Cape based feeding scheme for a We actively worked towards raising funds
year. for Operation Smile SA and the Lunchbox
Fund throughout 2017.
Ria also provides “her kids” with a little basic
education and armfuls of love while she fills “You have to be driven by a purpose greater
tummies. than yourself to get through the challenges.”
- Chris Bertish, 2017
Since literacy and learning are such an
important issue, SOH also donated books,
toys and clothing to Ria’s community centre.

Love of Literacy Early Development

September 2017 October 2017

Every year, illiteracy costs South Africa Gumboots were delivered to children at
R450 billion. the Pebbles ‘Hemel en Aarde’ education
facility in support of this wineland farming
More than half of the country’s youth are community.
unemployed.
Our team spent a few hours with the three
Books were allocated to the Pebbles centre to five year olds from the Early Childhood
from our September Book Drive along Development (ECD) Centre playing and
with a book distribution to non-profit blowing bubbles in the wind.
organisation, True North, for their ECD
work in marginalised communities. Even the older children in aftercare were
so pleased with their boots - they wouldn’t
Signature of Hope is focused on fighting take them off.
illiteracy and will be doing a lot more work
in this area in 2018.

12 www.signatureofhopetrust.org NPO Number: 196-195NPO 13
PBO Number: 9300044595

FUNDRAISING EVENTS MANDELA DAY
July - Our team contributed to Rise Against
THEATRE NIGHT
April – The Barnyard Theatre in Hunger: Africa’s campaign which saw
Willowbridge, Cape Town was the venue them distributing 300 000 meals to 10 000
for the 20th Century Countdown. As the
world’s greatest songs played out, funds beneficiaries during the NPO’s Mandela
were raised for Operation Smile SA and Month meal packaging drive. Signature of
Hope packed a total of 9720 meals between
The Lunchbox Fund. our Durban, Cape Town and Sandton teams.
TOTAL R 6 750 The meals were distributed within the Early
Childhood Development (ECD) sector – with
RUGBY FEVER
May – The electric backdrop of the the broader goal of finding pathways out
Stormers vs. Sharks game was a perfect of poverty and a collective mission to end
setting to host a fundraiser for the Chris
Bertish SUP Crossing beneficiaries. hunger in our lifetimes.
Rugby memorabilia and Newlands box
office tickets set the tone for a highly A RAY OF HOPE
contested event! August - In the month dedicated
TOTAL R 12 500 to celebrating women and their
contribution to society, SOH Trust
SAIA AGM hosted its inaugural Women’s Day High
May - SOH was nominated as the Tea in support of the Chris Bertish
beneficiary at this year’s South African SUP Crossing beneficiaries. A beautiful
Institute of Auctioneers’ (SAIA) annual success!
AGM, hosted at the Wanderers Golf Club. TOTAL R 38 800
After a good morning on the golf course,
attendees competed in a Bid Calling WINES2WHALES 15
Competition where all funds raised November – Bryan Austen and Stephen
where kindheartedly donated to us. We
are truly grateful to the support of SAIA Smith competed in the renowned
and all its members for their donation. Wines2Whales mountain bike race in
the name of raising funds to support
TOTAL R43 750 at-risk children and help the fight against
illiteracy in SA. It took 200km of tough
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terrain, 4 200m of climbing, 3 days,
19h56min59s, 40 degrees and 8 614
calories to get there! It was all worth it.
Yes, there was blood, sweat and even
tears but both brave cyclists made it to
the finish line and they will cherish the

memories made along the way.
TOTAL R21 706.60

NPO Number: 196-195NPO
PBO Number: 9300044595

SPECIAL DONATIONS

FIGHTING FIRES
While the infamous Kynsna fires raged in June 2017, firefighters battled around the

clock to salvage as much as they could. Knysna High School lost its hostel in the
blaze - a heavy blow for learners and teachers, right in the middle of exams. Like
so many in the area, they lost their homes and possessions. SOH Trust extended a

hand to provide them with much-needed financial support from funds raised.

BLIND MOTIVATION

Hein Wagner, blind adventurer and motivational speaker hosted a Dinner in the
Dark at the Carrick Annual Sales Conference. Hein is committed to the upliftment of
the visually impaired community and founded Visiontree - a 100% disability owned
enterprise. Its purpose is to create direct employment opportunities for blind
people. All the staff are disabled and from previously disadvantaged communities.
Carrick’s guests pledged a donation to Visiontree and its ongoing commitment to
social upliftment in South Africa.

16 www.signatureofhopetrust.org NPO Number: 196-195NPO 17
PBO Number: 9300044595

OUR YEAR IN NUMBERS NPO Number: 196-195NPO 19
PBO Number: 9300044595
39 720 Meals Packed
17 Care Projects
5 Collaborations
1 Extreme Fundraiser

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WORDS FROM OUR BENEFICIARIES NPO Number: 196-195NPO 21
PBO Number: 9300044595
SOUP FOR THE SOUL

Ria’s Kitchen, a feeding scheme with heart.
“God did not give me a chance for my kids, but today I am glad I am the mother
of plus minus 70 kids. On behalf of Noluntu Soup Kitchen and the children of
Silvertown community, we are saying thank you very much for your generous
donation – buying food for a year is a good thing. I am looking forward now because
you made my dream come true.”
- Ria Temele, Ria’s Kitchen.
“Your generous donation will have a significant impact to continue to help sustain
Ria’s Kitchen and will guarantee that she can continue to do what she believes to be
her true work - improving children’s lives.“
- Patsy Fivelman, Vice-Chairman of the Union of Jewish Women

FINDING TRUE NORTH

Hope has the power to keep making a change no matter how big or small.
“We are so grateful and humbled to be connected to the Signature of Hope Trust.
Collaborations and partners in funding are extremely valuable to the marginalised
communities of Vrygrond and Overcome who we have chosen to walk alongside.
SOH Trust’s support has certainly helped us empower pre-school leaders and build
a strong ECD community so that the lives of every child we impact can be changed
for the better. Thank you for believing in and enhancing our dream.”
- The True North Team

PEBBLES PROJECT – CHANGING LIVES

“Signature of Hope Trust not only understands our passion of building empowered
communities in the Western Cape, but they have also supported our efforts in
building safe, clean and well-functioning physical environments to maximise the
stimulation of our beneficiary children. Your support ranges from keeping them
warm and dry through winter by sponsoring rain boots, to helping us ensure much
needed books for our Hermanus facility library. This has not only enabled our
children gain confidence in their learning but has helped them realise they have the
power to take control of their own futures.
When it comes to community development there are many non-profit organisations
that talk a good game, but Signature of Hope Trust as a donor and supporter
continues to help us make it happen. We thank you for being part of our story!”
- Charmaine Gola and the Pebbles Team

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NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE

In the name of changing the lives of millions of at-risk children in South Africa,
Signature of Hope Trust was chosen as a beneficiary of a “world first” project.

No words of honour can match up to the superhuman feat South African hero, Chris
Bertish set out to achieve in 2017. This internationally acclaimed speaker, big wave
surfer and now Guinness world record holder is the first person in history to make
a solo crossing of the Atlantic Ocean on a stand-up paddle (SUP) board.

Signature of Hope Trust was privileged to support Chris in working towards reaching
his R20m fundraising target in 2017. Every single one of the two million strokes
Chris made as he paddled across the Atlantic Ocean was a personal commitment to
supporting millions of children in disadvantaged communities.

“Every year I do an adventure to remind myself

of all the little things we take for granted

and incorporate an attitude of gratitude.”

Chris Bertish

ALONE ON A PADDLEBOAT

6 December 2016 With no emergency engine and no support crew, the 42-year

old set off alone from the coast of Morocco and traversed

4 050nm/7 500km, paddling 1 944 000 strokes across the

Atlantic Ocean.

9 March 2017 Chris achieved the equivalent of a full iron man every day for 93

days straight until he reached the finish point in English

Harbour, Antigua.



“I’d focus on one stroke at a time;

that was one smile and one lunchbox.”

Chris Bertish

PERFORMANCE WITH A PURPOSE

Funds raised will be used to feed hungry schoolchildren (The Lunchbox Fund) in
communities where starving children can’t be educated because they are too listless
to concentrate. The funds will also provide life-changing surgery to those born with
cleft lips and palates (Operation Smile) and will aid in the Signature of Hope Literacy
Support project being launched in 2018 to serve vulnerable children who are most
‘at-risk’ in terms of literacy development and completing their schooling career.

22 www.signatureofhope.org NPO Number: 196-195NPO 23
PBO Number: 9300044595

2018 and
beyond

Since opening our doors in 2013, Signature of Hope has had a vested interest in the In order to achieve this, SOHT proposes a strategic partnership with three NPOs:
early development of children. It is an essential part of our goal to develop healthy,
engaged and civic-minded adults and sustainable communities. 1. Shine Literacy
Literacy at the primary school level is the most cost- effective investment in the fight (Est. 2006) In 2017, Shine Literacy programmes are in 66 schools and four
against poverty and poor educational achievement. provinces - directly supporting over 4 500 children every week.
Signature of Hope proposes that the Trust’s key strategy over the period 2018 – http://www.shineliteracy.org.za/
2020 focuses on:
• Implementing a literacy intervention programme at primary school level 2. Nal’ibali
(Grade 2 and 3) (Est. 2012) It is estimated that about 20% of South Africans have
• Providing children who struggle to read and write in English with one-on contact with this NPO in some form or other. They promote reading and
one attention from a volunteer reading helper storytelling as a key part of South African identity.
http://nalibali.org/
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3. Bright Kid Foundation
(Est. 2000) Has converted over 285 shipping containers into fully functional
pre-schools and delivered Edutainers® throughout Africa .
www.brightfoundation.co.za

NPO Number: 196-195NPO 25
PBO Number: 9300044595

CORPORATE PHILANTHROPY

Integer Wealth approached Signature of Hope in the interest of officially appointing
the Trust as its official CSI partner in 2018. Their corporate governance mandate
is to establish a formal corporate social investment strategy and create a well-
managed CSI division.

MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL

SOHT embraces this opportunity to act as a strategic partner for Integer Wealth – a
reputable and professional brand that aligns well with the Trust. This alignment will in
turn grow SOHT as a trusted NPO – enhancing the brand. It will also add a new offering
to its range of services - further establishing the Trust’s sustainability.

FINANCIAL COMMITMENT

Integer Wealth intends To fund the growth and On an annual basis for a
to allocate 1% of post sustainability of their CSI 3-year fixed term (with
profit... projects... an option to renew).

Signature of Hope Trust proposes to administer this investment via a fixed fee of 15% per
CSI investment per annum

26 www.signatureofhope.org NPO Number: 196-195NPO 27
PBO Number: 9300044595

OUR RAY OF HOPE

Thank you to our loyal donors, sponsors, contributors and supporters

Major Donors: R10 000 and above

• Friends Provident International • Broll Auction and Sales • Penguin Random House • VAM Funds
• GAM Funds • Bryan Austen • Providence Life • Western Province Prep School
• IP Global • Craig Featherby • Rasmussen Wedding
• Mark Hiller • Darren Bekker • Rory Antrobus
• Michael Fannin • Dylan Croudace • Stephen Smith

Valued Donors: R2000 and above

• Clotex • Donovan Jones • Michael Rowe • Samantha Bowen
• MXNS • Figl Family
• Adrian Jossel • Greg Elliot • Nadine Chetty • Sarah Jarrett
• Alice Cropper • Heather Palvie
• Anthony Palmer • Hendrik Jacobus Reyneke • Nazreen Harper • Simone Player
• Arnold Urson • Jonathan Boyd
• Aucor Bloemfontein (Pty) Ltd • Kenechukwu Okafor • Nina Rudman • Stefni Hill
• Ayisha Ismail • Kieron McRae
• BEE Recruitment • Kim Marr • Park Village Auctions • Sup Sistas
• BKB Eiendomme (Pty) Ltd • Lara High-Thom
• Bradley Ginsberg • Lebogang Rankhoana • Phillip Powell • Tania Smith
• Bronwyn Adriaanse • Lucien Gounden
• Chad Goddard • Lynn Halliday • Rashay Makan • Tazkia Safodien
• Cindy Echardt • Margo Witbooi
• Crosstate Auctioneers cc • Megan Gorridon • Raymond Gombera • Tharanya Govender
• Dale Namnick • Michael Potts
• Rene Walker • The Ackerman Family Foundation Trust

• Richard Craddock • The High Street Auction Co.

• Richard Dales • Toren Wing

• Robin Baird Insurance Brokers (Pty) Ltd • Tracy-Lee Jacobs

• Rory Roulstone • Wesley Gran

• Ruan Nel • Zunaid Ismail

• Ryan le Grange

• S. Graebe

28 www.signatureofhope.org NPO Number: 196-195NPO 29
PBO Number: 9300044595

Collaborative Partnerships

Women’s Day Sponsors

Rugby Fever Sponsors NPO Number: 196-195NPO 31
PBO Number: 9300044595
30 www.signatureofhopetrust.org

Anonymous Donors

A total of R20 000 was donated via anonymous donors

Primary Sponsor

Carrick Wealth

www.carrick-wealth.com

A special word of thanks to every single donor who contributes monthly.
We are because you care!

32 www.signatureofhopetrust.org NPO Number: 196-195NPO 33
PBO Number: 9300044595

BECOME AN AGENT OF
CHANGE IN 2018

The impact of our projects would not be realised if it were not for all of our loyal volunteers
who donate their time effortlessly to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate.

In 2018 we invite you to help us spread hope in the darkest of corners. Become an agent of
change and join our Literacy Programme as a volunteer where you’ll be trained in the Shine
Literacy Hour curriculum in order to personally help mentor a child.

“There is no greater gift than a smile on a young child’s face, in admiration of your loyal support
and belief in their abilities.“

To sign up as a volunteer, donate in kind, services or products, sponsor a fundraising event
or get involved in our corporate payroll giving programme, kindly contact Natalie for more
information.

Signature of Hope Trust is a Section 18A tax exempt organisation and as such, you as a donor
(personal or corporate), are able to receive a Section 18A Tax Certificate for all donations made
during the tax year. Donations include monetary, services in kind and goods/products to be
used within our various public benefit activities throughout the year.

34 www.signatureofhopetrust.org NPO Number: 196-195NPO 35
PBO Number: 9300044595

KEEP IN TOUCH

[email protected] facebook.com/signatureofhope

www.signatureofhope.org linkedin.com/company/signature-of-hope-trust

021 201 1000 twitter.com/SignatureofHope 37

Carrick House, The Forum, NPO Number: 196-195NPO
North Bank Lane, Century City, PBO Number: 9300044595

Cape Town

36 www.signatureofhopetrust.org