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.
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.
Their goal is to prevent gender-based violence by educating husbands, providing driving lessons and computer courses for youths, and teaching sewing to women.
‘We are training women! Please help us train more’
As part of their first mandate, Sakhe Family Care Development Centre is looking to equip more women through sewing classes.
By providing advanced classes and training on industrial sewing machines, the organisation hopes to empower women to create school uniforms, overalls and other products for local businesses.
“So many women in South Africa never had, and even now don’t have, the opportunity to study, but they have a passionate desire to be trained.
In the Kouga Area of the Eastern Cape, where the Sakhe Family Care Development Centre NPO is active, we have encountered many women who yearn to receive training in some direction to make them economically active and independent.
Consequently, we have identified a specific area of need: we aim to train as many women as possible in sewing and related skills, enabling them to produce a sellable product that can be marketed.” – says Antoinette Ferreira
Picture above: Everyone working hard during class
The reaction when we started advertising was overwhelming. We have trained 25 women so far, yet the need is tremendous, and we need extra funds to continue training even more.
After first making the training available, our waiting list has grown and grown. As more women see the success of those who have done the course, they also want to do the training. We have many women on our waiting list” – says Antoinette Ferreira from Sakhe Family Care Development Centre.
Picture above: Some small items made by the ladies in the sewing class.
To secure funding for the project, Sakhe Singamadoda Youth Programs has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, with a fundraising target of over R18 000 that will allow the organization to train five women over the next three months. This amount includes training costs and buying of necessities for the sewing process.
“By helping a woman acquire a new skill, she can have a means of income. This gives her a stepping stone through which she can achieve even more. We have seen that this training gives her a marketable skill that leads to independence.”
Pitcure above: Lena, Caroline, Nosipho and Siphosethu showing off their designed skirts and smaller aprons.
Since the launch of the campaign, over R2500 has been raised with kind contributions from 10 donors.
The funds we raise will tremendously impact the lives of the women trained.
“The opportunities are there, but the women need the skills. You can make a difference, and therefore we ask that you please help!” – says Antoinette Ferreira from Sakhe Family Care Development Centre.
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 R330 Million.
Reece Trumpelmann (17), a teenager from Bapsfontein, Gauteng, with the courage of a lion, was diagnosed with Gorlin Goltz Syndrome, an extremely rare cancer condition in 2016.
After bumping his jaw while playing on a jumping castle, Reece was taken to hospital, and after a number of tests and X-rays at Steve Biko Hospital, Reece’s parents Marsha Trumpelmann (43) and Bjorn Trumpelmann (46) were informed that their son had an autosomal dominant inherited disorder which is virtually unknown in South Africa.
Reece’s mom, Marsha describes her son’s harrowing medical journey.
“Gorlin Syndrome, also known as Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome, is an inherited condition that affects many areas of the body and increases the risk of developing various cancerous and non-cancerous tumours.
It is caused by the loss of functions due to mutations in the tumour suppressor gene Patch1 which encodes the Sonic Hedghog Pathway.
You get different levels of this syndrome but unfortunately, Reece has been hit hard with most of the criteria. Currently, some of his symptoms are Multiple odontogenic tumours in his jaw which are attacking him constantly.
Our son has had over 40 removed and lost 16 teeth, he has had multiple bone grafts as well as multiple basal cell carcinomas, Extensive Calcification of the flax celebri, Scoliosis, Kyphosis, Bifid rib, Major sinus issues, Deviated Septum, Endocrine system problems, Heart problems (fibroma), GERD stage 4, Palmer and Planter pits, Hydrochephylys, Glaucoma, and Sleep apnea.
Picture above: Marcsha and Reece
His current specialists are Pediatric oncologist, Geneticist, Maxilofacial surgeon, Neuro Surgeon, Cardiologist, Dermatologist, Endocrinologist, Ophthalmologist, Specialised Dentistry, ENT, and Plastic Surgeon.” says Marsha
Reece is currently being treated at Arwyp, Linmead, Wilgers, Glynwood, Midstream and so many other different hospitals by specialists to help give him the best care and comfort.
“We have finally after a long road found a magnificent team that truly has Reece in their best interests. I am so grateful. Reece needs so many things, tests and procedures done at the moment, and because of the finances, I just cannot do it. Our medical aid runs out in February already; as you can imagine, the bills are huge. Some things are not covered at all.”
Managing Reece’s chronic illness has placed tremendous financial strain on the family, who are faced with constant mounting medical bills.
To help cover Reece’s co-payments on his top-tier medical aid, the family have launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, with the support of a non-profit organisation, Arms of Mercy, to ensure Reece gets the treatment he needs.
Currently, Reece’s fundraising target stands at R200 000.
“I will never ever give up fighting for this warrior. He has been to hell and back. He has had more operations than I can remember since he was diagnosed.” – says Marsha
Picture above: Reece with his parents, Marsha and Bjorn, and his sisters Abigail (23) and Savannah (21).
Since last November, Reece has had an unsuccessful major jaw and sinuses reconstruction surgery. He has had over 50 tumours removed and recently came out of ICU and high care after having another major surgery
“Our son, Reece is truly a fighter and such a beautiful soul. All I want for Reece is happiness and comfort. I want to try to alleviate his pain and discomfort. I am just a mom fighting for my boy. Thank you for reading this and if you feel it in your heart please share his story. We truly need help in any way or form. God bless you all.” – says Marsha Trumpelmann.
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 R330 Million.
