On this Workers’ Day, we pause to celebrate not only the importance of labour and the rights of workers across the globe, but also the passion and purpose that drives us at BackaBuddy.
Every member of our team plays a vital role in building a more compassionate South Africa, one campaign, one donor, and one act of kindness at a time. While our work spans different areas, tech, marketing, customer support, finance, and donor retention, what unites us is the shared belief: when people come together, amazing things happen.
This is what working at BackaBuddy means to us:
Catherine Du Plooy, our Chief Growth Officer, deeply values the sense of unity and shared purpose at BackaBuddy. “There’s something powerful about being surrounded by people who genuinely care,” she says. Having witnessed countless moving campaigns, one that has particularly stayed with her is ‘Help us give Eben the care he deserves,’ a fundraiser for 10-year-old Eben Beukes, who needs 24-hour palliative care following severe complications from Covid-19. As a parent herself, Catherine is profoundly moved by Eben’s father, Hendrik, whose unwavering strength in the face of unimaginable hardship deeply resonates with her.
Bernelie Barwise, our Social Media Manager, finds deep fulfillment in helping campaign creators create meaningful impact. “It’s a great joy to see the results being achieved after putting in the hard work,” she says. “It’s very rewarding, motivating and purpose driven.” One campaign that recently inspired her is ‘Panthera Africa’s journey with Liza Moondancer,’ a trailblazer raising awareness and support for big cats through her swim from Robben Island to Blouberg.
Support Panthera Africa’s Campaign here
Carla Isaacs, our Compliance and Operations Manager, values the ripple effect of kindness BackaBuddy fosters: “Campaign creators walk away with renewed hope in humanity, donors feel purposeful, and beneficiaries experience the power of community.” She’s been especially moved by the campaign ‘Keep Hope Alive,’ about Aadam Forgan, a stage 4 cancer warrior running a half marathon to support children with cancer through CHOC.
Monique Weich, our Donor Retention Coordinator, feels deeply honoured to witness the life-changing impact of every donation. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see the relief and gratitude from Campaign Creators,” she reflects. One campaign that has left a lasting impression on her is ‘Ashley Oosthuizen’s Fight for Freedom,’ a heartbreaking story of a young woman wrongfully imprisoned in Thailand. Monique was especially moved by Ashley’s mother’s unwavering determination and the way strangers rallied behind them, a powerful reminder of the strength and compassion that exists within humanity.
Support Ashley’s Campaign here
Mourine Muiruri, our Accounts Officer, says the “sense of purpose in our work is unmatched”. She was particularly inspired by the campaign ‘Matches on the Map,’ a global stem cell awareness journey sparked by Robin Lewis’s own battle with Fanconi Anaemia. The campaign’s innovative approach to saving lives deeply resonates with her.
Support Matches on the Map here
Tessa Van Rensburg, a Crowdfunding Success Specialist, appreciates BackaBuddy’s culture of growth and support: “You’re not boxed in here. You’re encouraged to grow, share, and contribute in your own way.” One campaign that stood out for her was, ‘Help Toinette get “Chewbaka” under control,’ created by Dupie van Rensburg for his wife, Toinette, who is facing a rare autoimmune condition. Their plan to launch a healing business for others while supporting her recovery deeply inspired her.
Support Toinette’s Campaign here
Lakiwe Blekiwe, our Head of Charities, cherishes the moments when “generosity lights up even the darkest situations.” ‘Carlie’s Story,’ a campaign about 12-year-old Carlie Grace fighting a mysterious illness in hospital for over two months, particularly moved her. “It reminded me how, even in the hardest times, people still choose kindness.”
Support Carlie’s Campaign here
Taswill Louw, our Portfolio Manager, says working at BackaBuddy has brought a new sense of meaning to his career. “Whether it’s helping someone access urgent medical care or fulfil a sporting dream, each task brings connection and joy.” One campaign that stands out for him is ‘Kopano’s extraordinary journey to study medicine,’ supported by a generous doctor who believes in paying it forward.
Support Kopano’s Campaign here
At BackaBuddy, every day is a chance to give back. Thank you to our team, our campaigners, and our donors for reminding us that meaningful work is measured not just in hours, but in impact.