In the quiet corridors of generosity, some stories shine not only because of their emotional weight, but because of the extraordinary people who choose to act with compassion. One such person is Catherine du Plooy, Chief Growth Officer at BackaBuddy, and one of our generous staff donors.
Catherine recently chose to support the Stand by Theo & Geraldine campaign, a heartfelt initiative launched to support a beloved couple in her community after Theo’s sudden cancer diagnosis. But for Catherine, this wasn’t just another campaign, it was deeply personal.
“They’re dear friends of our family and have been for many years,” she shares. “Theo has always had such a generous heart, always looking to help others. His dad was friends with my grandfather, and their farm is right next to ours. They’re just genuinely kind, salt-of-the-earth people.”
Theo’s diagnosis came as a shock, a reminder of how life can change in an instant. “It hit close to home,” Catherine says. “My brother is also living with cancer, so I deeply understand the shock and the weight that a diagnosis like this brings. One day Theo was healthy, and the next, everything changed. It really reminds you how fragile and precious life is.”
As BackaBuddy’s CGO, Catherine spends her days empowering others to fundraise and find hope through the power of community. But this time, it was her own community that needed support, and she didn’t hesitate to lead by example.
“It feels good to be able to support them, but I also wish we could all do more,” she says. “People like Theo and Geraldine have poured so much into their community, it’s only right that we rally around them now.”
Catherine’s act of giving is more than a donation, it’s a reflection of her values, both as a leader and as a friend. “There’s something incredibly powerful about people coming together,” she reflects. “Especially when it’s for someone who has been a blessing to others, it’s like the kindness gets multiplied.”
At BackaBuddy, we are proud to have leaders who lead with heart. Catherine, thank you for showing us what it means to live out the mission, not only in the work you do but in the way you give.
You can support Theo and Geraldine by donating to their campaign here: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/stand-by-theo-geraldine