On the 20th of November 2022, 47 cyclists from Johannesburg, will be taking part in the Virgin Active 947 Ride Joburg. Pedalling for a purpose, the group aims to support the South African Bone Marrow Registry in raising funds for their Patient Assistance Programme.
To date, the SABMR has helped save the lives of around 600 patients with life-threatening blood disorders by matching them with healthy, unrelated bone marrow donors from South Africa and the rest of the world.
Currently, there are 40 million and counting registered donors worldwide and counting. Ethnicity plays a vital role in finding a donor as you’re most likely to find a donor within your own ethnic grouping. South Africa is a prime and unique example of mixed inherited diversity, making it even more difficult to find a suitable match for a patient in need.
A patient has a 1 in 100 000 chance of finding a suitable donor match. These odds are even further reduced for patients of colour to 1 in 400 000 as there is a lack of donors of colour not only on our local registry but globally. Hence, encouraging everyone who is eligible to sign up and donate to give patients a second chance at life.
“Bone marrow-related diseases is not a mystery, it is a solvable challenge. There are however many patients in need of stem cell transplants to offer them the best chance of survival. The solution: we must get everyone in the world on a registry to give them the best chance. Starting in South Africa.” – says Dr Charlotte Ingram
As a non-profit public benefit organisation, the SABMR relies heavily on financial donations to cover the costs of donor recruitment which costs around R1500 per swab test kit.
Each kit needs to be sent to an international laboratory for tissue typing before the results are placed on the SABMR’s database, to which donor registries around the world have access.
As part of the SABMR’s fundraising efforts, 47 cyclists from South Africa have signed up to provide financial support assistance to families unable to cover the costs of finding a donor.
Cycling a distance of 97km, the champions have raised over R58 000 collectively towards a target of R150 000 by crowdfunding on BackaBuddy, to cover the costs of 50 swab test kits, used to recruit new donors and expand the SABMR database.
Meet a few of the cyclists at the 94.7 Ride Joburg
Cycling to support the SABMR for the second time, Reece Duthie from Johannesburg, is taking on the 94.7 in hopes to highlight the importance of donor recruitment. He hopes to raise R1000, with more donors coming on board to congratulate him for his achievement.
“Being able to raise funds for the SABMR is a blessing to me – I am fit and healthy enough to be able to push my body. The role that the SABMR plays in the lives of cancer patients is one that signifies hope and courage. With the awareness and funds that I’ve helped in raising, I hope that the SABMR continues their mission of touching the lives of people who need it the most.” – says Reece
Last year,Geoffrey Brink cycled the 94.7 for the first time and raised over R7000 to help expand SABMR’s registry. This year, he hopes to raise an additional R5000 to support the SABMR and their life-saving mission.
“I got roped into riding this event last year and I discovered a biker gang that I never knew existed. Some say it takes courage to stick to the plan, but courage I do not have. Instead I ride this race, a journey if you will, for a cause that has courage and a plan to deliver greatness and joy to many other South Africans, that I cannot. Come 20 November 2022, I will be joining this biker gang, called the “Fat Tyre Gang” on our journey around the 011 for a great cause and in search of a great time” –Geoffrey Brink
To support one of the SABMR’s 47 cyclists on Backabuddy, make a donation here:
*All funds raised will be managed by the SABMR. Donors will also be eligible for a Section 18A tax certificate issued by the organisation.
Become a Bone Marrow donor
According to SABMR, Head of Sustainability and National Operations Kamiel Singh, there are currently 79 000 donors registered on the SABMR’s database to cater to over 59.3 million South Africans.
“Every year, hundreds of South Africans with blood diseases such as leukemia reach the point where their only chance of survival is a bone marrow transplant. For about 30% of patients, a matched donor can be found in their own family; for the other 70%, their only hope is to find a matched unrelated donor identified by the SABMR.” – says Head of Sustainability and National Operations, Kamiel Singh.
You can Register to become a Bone Marrow donor, by clicking here:
South Africa’s leading crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy has supported more than 10 000+ individuals and charities in setting up fundraising campaigns for medical fees, tuition and various causes in South Africa. The platform has thus far risen over R360 Million.
Sabine Muller (57) a physiotherapist, athlete and mother of two, from Hout Bay, Cape Town, is getting ready to take on the 13 Peaks, an epic Table Mountain adventure, alongside her running partner, Vuyo Spamla (47), to benefit abused children. Vuyo has one daughter and works as a domestic worker in Hout Bay and Camps Bay.
New Heights
Sabine and Vuyo are looking forward to the 13 Peaks challenge, a 100km, 6000m ascent route tagging 13 peaks of the Cape Peninsula, which starts on 29 October 2022.
While not seen as a race, but an opportunity to experience the beautiful nature that surrounds Cape Town, Sabine and Vuyo are training long and hard to complete the challenge in under 48 hours.
Sabine says that her life changed, and her passion for running ignited almost a decade ago, when her sister challenged her to train for the Meiringspoort Half Marathon in 2015
Sabine has since completed several marathons, 3 Two Oceans, 4 Comrades, 3 PUFfeRs, 3 Skyruns, a multi-day 13 Peaks with her Hout Bay Trail Runners, and loads of other races over the years.
“I have gained the fitness; stamina to deal with 12-hour physical work days whilst being a wife and mother; I have made friends with amazing like-minded individuals who have become close friends, including Vuyo; and I have gotten to enjoy the mountains around Cape Town and further afield as my running moved to include the trails.” – says Sabine
Peak for Purpose
Wanting to give back by using the 13 Peaks challenge as a vehicle, Sabine and Vuyo have launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy to raise R100 000 for a non-profit organisation, Friends of Child Protection.
Friends of Child Protection (FCP), which relies entirely on volunteers and donations, distributes comfort packs to children across the Western Cape who have survived a violent assault.
The packs provide comfort and dignity to children during a very traumatic time in their lives. The packs include snacks, underwear, face cloths and soap, a fun activity, a teddy bear to cuddle and other age-appropriate items including nappies and formula for the babies.
Friends of Child Protection packages and distributes an average of 1200 comfort packs every 2 months, which cost between R80-R120 each to produce.
“The number of packs requested consistently exceeds the number the organisation can supply and in December more packs are needed than any other month. Vuyo and I need your help to be able to reach every child in need this December” says Sabine
Since the launch of their campaign, Sabine and Vuyo have raised almost R29 000 with kind contributions from 32 donors.
South Africa’s leading crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy has supported more than 10 000+ individuals and charities in setting up fundraising campaigns for medical fees, tuition and various causes in South Africa. The platform has thus far risen over R350 Million.
Picture above: Noluthando and her Support team competing at SA Para Surf Championships, KZN 2022 Photo Credit Scott Mitchel
For the FIRST time South Africa will be sending 14 para surfers (9 male and 5 female) to the World Para Surf Championships to be held at Pismo Beach, California from 4-11 December 2022.
Speaking about the athletes, who have earned a top spot at this year’s Championship, 9 x South African surfing champion and SA Para Surfing Head Coach, Roxy Davis said:
“Surfing is my medicine. It remains a privilege to share para surfing and surf therapy with thousands of surfers with disabilities and volunteers across the Western Cape through a formalised Para Surfing Programme that started in 2016.”
“There are a particular group of surfers who, no matter their (dis)ability, come down to the beach, adapt, excel” – says Roxy
Meet the incredible Para Surfers:
Raemondo Lessing (WC), Noluthando Makalima (WC), Michele Macfarlane (WC), Caleb Swanepoel (WC), James Sinclair (KZN), Similo Dlamini (KZN), David Williams (KZN), Doug Hendrikz (KZN), Martin Ferreira (GP), Tracy McKay (KZN), Alulutho Tshoba (KZN), Oliver Sinclair (KZN), Asande Sibisi (KZN), Sabelo Ngema (KZN) and Jean Paul Veaudry (EC).
“Our athletes have shown hard work, bravery and commitment and now have the opportunity to fly the South African flag proudly as they tackle the WORLD’S biggest para surfing competition. This group of diverse and differently-abled sportsmen and women proudly represent everything South Africa stands for.” – says Roxy
The team, who will be accompanied and supported on the ground and in the water by five team coaches and a team physiotherapist from South Africa, have launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, appealing for support to make their dream a reality.
Since the launch of the campaign, more than R680 000 has been raised towards their fundraising target of R1,019,000.
MEET RAEMONDO
Raemondo Lessing (15) a quadruple amputee from Khayelitsha, who uses prosthetic legs for mobility and requires the support of a chaperone for his trip. He will be competing in the Men’s Prone 2 (assisted) division.
MEET NOLUTHANDO
Noluthando Makalima (35) who has Cerebral Palsy and also lives in Khayelitsha, utilises a wheelchair and crutch and will require the support of a chaperone for her trip. She will be competing in the Women’s Prone 2 (assisted) division. Noluthando previously placed second at the World Para Surfing Championships in California in 2020.
All funds raised will be allocated to the following costs per athlete:
Flights and assisted airport transfers R25,000, Subsistence R6,000, Ability friendly accommodation R13,000, Entry and Classification Fees R6,000 and Visa R2,750.
Total cost per athlete: R52,750 (team total cost of R738,500)
Total cost per athlete support team member (coaching, chaperone and management team): R46,750 each (support team total cost of R280,500)
Raemondo, core activation, balance and posture strengthening session
“In 2020 the SA team came 6th out of 22 countries and brought home 4 medals. After missing 2021 (due to the Pandemic), team South Africa 2022 are eager to get out there and show the world their skills and win Para Surfing medals for South Africa!” – says Roxy
South Africa’s leading crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy has supported more than 10 000+ individuals and charities in setting up fundraising campaigns for medical fees, tuition and various causes in South Africa. The platform has thus far risen over R350 Million.
Celebrating the anniversary of the remarkable women’s march of 1956, this year, on Women’s day- 9 August 2022, we are spotlighting women inspiring change as we move towards a more equal future.
In our article, we have selected women-focused causes that could use your support by making a different another’s life.
Here’s a list of crowdfunding campaigns you can support
Charities to support
Gina Runs the Comrades for Brighter Future
In order to support Brighter Future Sanctuary Project, animal lover, Gina Hinchliffewith who has 6 ‘furbabies’ of her own, is embarking on the mammoth 89km marathon. With support from the donor community, Gina hopes to raise R15 000, which will support Brighter Future in sterilising dogs and cats in rural areas.
Charity to offer sewing classes to empower local women in Kouga
The Sakhe Family Care Development Centre is a non-profit organisation based in Humansdorp, Eastern Cape, that aims to uplift families in the Kouga area through training courses for wives, husbands and children alike.
Since the launch of the campaign, over R10 000 has been raised with kind contributions from 18 donors. Funds raised will allow them to provide advanced sewing classes and training on industrial sewing machines, the organisation hopes to empower women to create school uniforms, overalls and other products for local businesses. Read more.
Adventure mom (41) to conquer Mount. Kilimanjaro in aid of Ostomy and Cancer Patients
Lerato Monyatsi (41) from Krugersdrop, Gauteng, ithe founder of SkirtGirlHiker Foundation, a non-profit organisation that aims to restore dignity to Ostomy and Cancer Patients by conquering mountains and hiking with purpose.
Through crowdfunding, Lerato hopes to raise R20 000 for her foundation that provides medical attention, supplies and mental wellness for Colorectal Cancer patients and stoma patients. Read more.
Joanita Smit (46), a counsellor from Boksburg, Gauteng, is on a mission to dismantle the stigma around sexual abuse, advocating for mental health, with her counselling practice under the Sm;tten Love Foundation.
By donating you will be helping Joanita to cover the R16 000 shortfall needed to begin her studies so she may use her talents to help others.
Cleopatra Leoschut, a single mom and cancer warrior who is scheduled for a second operation to repair tissue that has been damaged due to radiation therapy, is in need of funds to help cover her much-needed theatre and anaesthetist expenses. With your donation, Cleo can fight cancer without having to worry but mounting medical bills.
South Africa’s leading crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy has supported more than 10 000+ individuals and charities in setting up fundraising campaigns for medical fees, tuition, and various causes in South Africa. The platform has thus far raised over R260 Million.
In celebration of the great life and legacy lived by Tata Madiba, every year on International Mandela Day (18th July) South Africans would unite together, take to the streets and change the lives of those in need.
Fortunately, due to relaxed Covid-19 restrictions, the public’s global call to action has been reignited. Allowing us as individuals to support, help and aid those in need through the click of a button and in the comfort of our own living room.
Here’s a list of crowdfunding campaigns you can support
Support the Motheo children’s center for Mandela Day!
Motheo Children’s Center caters to children with special needs and accommodates orphaned children from previously disadvantaged communities around Ngobi which are located in Limpopo, South Africa. This center is in desperate need of equipment and resources to care for its loving children. This Mandela Day, why not help support this charity by helping the children’s center raise R20 000 for materials to enable them to live a more fulfilling life.
Support the Motheo Children’s Center by donating to their BackaBuddy campaign.
Support parkrun in providing defibrillators for South Africa
Parkrun events are places where everyone, runners, joggers, walkers, and volunteers gather to have fun and experience happiness in the local community. It is for this reason that Ultramarathon athlete, Bruce Fordyce has partnered up with Aero Healthcare for the sole purpose of keeping Parkrun events as safe as possible for anyone who wishes to join. As a Mandela Day initiative, help support this wonderful campaign reach 200 defibrillators standing at a total price of R4 million rand to ensure each parkrun event across South Africa is as safe as possible.
Support Bruce Fordyce on his new challenge to provide Parkrun in SA with defibrillators
Support Baby Novah Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) fund
Novah De Wet from Aggeneys, Northern Cape, was diagnosed with Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 1. This is a rare genetic sickness that destroys important motor neurons that allow for movement and muscle development. A miracle gene therapy drug called Zolgensma from the USA can assist in aiding her condition. Following Mandela day, donate to this critical campaign to help pay for Novah’s once-off treatment of Zolgensam which costs R35 million rand.
Help save Novah De Wet by donating to her BackaBuddy campaign.
Support the Sakha Family Development Center to empower local women in Kouga
The Sakhe Family Care Development Centre is a non-profit organisation based in Humansdorp, Eastern Cape, that aims to uplift families in the Kouga area through training courses for wives, husbands and children alike. Many South African women in South Africa don’t have the opportunity to study. Their current project currently aims to empower women by teaching them how to use sewing machines and product development in the textile industry. This Mandela Day, help these women gain their independence by giving them a marketable skill that allows them to achieve more.
Support this cause by donating to their BackaBuddy campaign.
Let’s get Aidan Bates to Baseball 5 World Cup in Mexico 2022
Aidan Bryce Bartes, a full-time 2nd-year student at ETA college in Port Elizabeth been given the opportunity of a lifetime to play at the WBSC Baseball 5 World Cup in Mexico 2022. Aidan has been in remission from cancer since he was diagnosed at the age of 3, however, this has not stopped him from making remarkable achievements ever since. Let’s Help Aidan this Mandela day reach his fundraising goal of R50 000 and enable him to pursue this amazing opportunity.
Support Aidan Bryce Bartes by donating to his BackaBuddy campaign.
Make a difference in someone else’s world by donating, sharing and supporting any one of the above campaigns. To find more campaigns aligned with your passion, you may donate to our wide variety on Backabuddy.co.za.
Create a crowdfunding campaign
South Africa’s leading crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy has supported more than 10 000+ individuals and charities in setting up fundraising campaigns for medical fees, tuition and various causes in South Africa. The platform has thus far raised over R260 Million.
