by Zane Groenewald | Sep 10, 2025 | Campaign, Featured
Pictured above: Nickey Seger, Dave Spurgeon and Grant Clack.
Nickey Seger (52) from Roodekrans, Gauteng, is no stranger to standing by those she loves. But when her friend Dave Spurgeon (65) from Bryanston, Sandton, was diagnosed with throat cancer in July 2025, she knew she needed to do something extraordinary to help.
Within days of hearing the news, Nickey and her partner, Grant Clack (63), launched the Hope Powers Dave campaign on BackaBuddy. Their mission: to raise R500,000 so Dave can begin urgent chemotherapy and radiation. To inspire support, they committed to running 21.6 km every day for 30 consecutive days — totalling a staggering 650 km.
“When I heard Dave had throat cancer and no medical aid, my heart just sank. This is the reality for so many South Africans. I just felt the need to make a difference and help him in the best way I know how,” says Nickey.
A Friendship That Sparked Action
Nickey met Dave about 18 months ago at a friend’s birthday party, and in that short time, their bond has grown into a strong friendship. What struck her most was Dave’s humility and kindness. Despite his own hardships — including losing his medical aid when he was retrenched during Covid — Dave has always been generous and supportive of others.
“Dave is thoughtful, compassionate, and giving. He has often taken people under his wing, offering guidance, support, and encouragement,” says Dianne, his partner’s sister. “He has truly added value to those around him.”
For Nickey, standing on the sidelines wasn’t an option.
“I believe we are stronger together. Anyone can make a difference — and if my running can give Dave a fighting chance, then every step is worth it,” she says.
“Time is not on our side, which is why this campaign is so important,” explains Nickey. “The funds will go directly to covering Dave’s urgent medical needs and giving him a chance at recovery.”
Community of Care
For Nickey, this journey is about more than fundraising — it’s about proving the power of community. The campaign has drawn messages of encouragement from near and far, with friends describing Dave as fun-loving, dependable, and deeply devoted to his family.
“He’s been more than a friend — he’s family,” says Dick Roberts, who has known Dave for 30 years. “His humour, energy, and love for his daughters make him someone truly special.”
Nickey hopes their story will inspire others to get involved.
“Every donation, no matter the size, and every share of the campaign helps. Together, we can make sure Dave gets the treatment he urgently needs,” she says.
To support Dave visit his BackaBuddy campaign link here:
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/hope-powers-dave
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by Zane Groenewald | Aug 11, 2025 | Campaign, Featured
Brandon Amronski, 62, is many things: a talented artist and photographer, a self-taught chef, a skilled potter, a gentle musician, a creative spirit, and above all — a loving dad. For the last few years, he’s poured everything he has into one dream: building a home of his own in Kommetjie, Cape Town.
With no contractor and no big budget, Brandon has been building his house — quite literally — with his own two hands. Brick by brick, alongside two faithful workers, he’s created a structure filled with hope, resilience, and heart. The project has taken over five years to materialise, as he first had to battle years of red tape just to gain approval to start construction. One year ago, he finally laid the first brick.
Brandon’s daughter, Luna, now 16, is the heart behind the BackaBuddy campaign trying to help him finish it. “I’m reaching out with a full heart and a shared dream — to help my beloved dad, Brandon, to finally finish the home he’s been building with his own two hands,” she says.
Brandon’s journey hasn’t been easy. At just 19, he fought in the war in Angola — an experience that left deep emotional scars compounded by his work as a press photographer from 1989-1998/9. More recently, he’s battled depression and PTSD while trying to recover from the devastating financial impact of COVID-19, which cost him much of his work and stability. Since then, he hasn’t been able to regain stable employment. The house became his anchor — a personal mission to create something lasting.
“This house means everything to him,” Luna shares. “It represents a place of safety, dignity, and a space where I can visit and sleep over — something we haven’t been able to do in years.”
Brandon currently lives in a small, one-bedroom cottage with no space for guests or family. His older daughter, who now lives in the Netherlands, has helped support him financially, but the budget has run out — and the house remains just shy of completion.
As Brandon’s 62nd birthday approaches on 25 July 2025, Luna hopes to give him the one thing he’s longed for: a finished home.
Instead of traditional birthday presents, Luna has set up a BackaBuddy campaign, inviting friends, family, and strangers alike to contribute toward specific costs still needed to complete the home:
- R2,200 – Garage Door
- R2,000 – Bathroom Tiling
- R2,500 – One Week of Labour Support
- R18,000 – Electrical Finishing
- R20,000 – Geyser Installation
“Every bit helps,” Luna says. “This is more than a house — it’s a chance for him to feel proud again, to have his space, and maybe even find the motivation to re-enter the world.”
With R10,478 already raised toward their R59,000 goal, the dream is within reach.
To support Brandon’s dream and help him move into his home at last, visit the campaign here:
👉 Help Brandon Finish Building His Dream Home: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/help-brandon-finish-building-his-dream-home
Timeline:
Matriculated 1981
1982-1983 SA military service
1984-1987 Ruth Prowse Fine Art
1987-1988 Winchester School of Art
1989-1998/9 Press photographer
Covid/lockdown resulted in commercial photography and magazine work drying up.
by Zane Groenewald | Jul 22, 2025 | Fundraising Tips, Tips
Read This First Time Crowdfunding Guide Before You Get Started
You’re almost ready to launch — but before you do, here’s what we’ve seen make all the difference:
- Campaigns with early support from family and friends raise up to 2X more funds.
- To build momentum, we recommend getting 3–5 donations from people you know shortly after launching — before sharing your campaign widely on social media.
Think of it like a dance floor — no one wants to be the first one on, but once a few familiar faces step up, others feel comfortable joining in. The same is true for your campaign.
Those first 3–5 donations from close friends or family are powerful. They show others that your campaign is real, supported, and deserving of support.
Early donors often include heartfelt messages that vouch for your character and story — helping build trust with potential donors who may not know you personally.
Seed donations don’t just get the ball rolling — they show that your target is achievable. They give your campaign momentum, credibility, and an emotional anchor for others to follow.
The fastest way to build early momentum is by reaching out personally.
Start by sending a short, sincere message to close friends and family via WhatsApp, Messenger, or Email. Let them know your campaign is active — and how much their early support would mean to you.
- Be clear and specific:
What are you raising funds for?
Why does it matter to you?
What difference will their support make?
Once you’ve received a few initial donations, you can post your campaign link to your WhatsApp Status, family groups, or community chats to grow your support circle.
Early messages set the tone. Personal connection creates trust. And trust leads to donations.
It’s tempting to post your campaign right away — but going public too soon can make it harder to gain traction.
Campaigns shared with a wide audience while still sitting on R0 often struggle to get support. Without early donations to build trust, even powerful stories can be overlooked.
Start with private messages. A few early donations give your campaign credibility and make it easier for others to follow.
A little patience upfront can make a big difference in the long run.
Once you’ve had your first donations, expand your reach to:
- Extended family, neighbours, co-workers
- Social media friends and followers
- School, university, church or community networks
- WhatsApp groups, local businesses, alumni communities
- Nonprofits, media, or influencers who align with your cause
Personalise your message, explain the impact their support will have, and invite them to donate or help share your campaign.
Helpful Resources
by Zane Groenewald | Jul 8, 2025 | Fundraising Tips, Tips
Launching a crowdfunding campaign can feel overwhelming — but you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
This 14-day guideline is not a checklist or a rulebook. It’s a practical, compassionate roadmap built from what we’ve seen work best across thousands of successful BackaBuddy campaigns.
Each day offers one simple, doable action to help you build momentum, grow your reach, and deepen connection with your supporters — all in a way that feels authentic to you. Whether your cause is personal, joyful, or rooted in something more difficult, we’re here to help you share your story with confidence.
Use what feels right, skip what doesn’t, and come back to it anytime you need support.
Day 0: Let’s Get Your Campaign Ready to Succeed
Before sharing your campaign, here’s how to set yourself up for success:
- Write a clear, heartfelt story (200–500 words):
-
- Who you’re fundraising for
- What the funds are for
- Where this is happening
- Why now
- What donations will cover
- End with a thank you and a call to action
Add 3–5 high-quality, friendly images
- Optional: Film a short 30–60 second video introducing yourself and your cause
- Set a realistic, specific goal (e.g. R2,000 for school fees or R5,000 for medical transport)
- Enable thank-you messages
- Wait to verify — we’ll do that after a few donations
Read our guide: ’10 Elements for Writing a Great Backabuddy Crowdfunding Story’
Campaigns with strong stories, clear visuals, and a video raise up to 4x more.
Day 1: Start With Seed Support
Before going public, message 5–10 close friends or family privately via WhatsApp, Messenger or Email.
Suggested message:
“Hi [Name], I’ve just launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy to help with [brief description – e.g. my mom’s surgery or school fees.
Before I share it more widely, I wanted to ask if you’d consider being one of the first to support it — even a small donation or a quick share would mean a lot.
Here’s the link: [insert link]“
Campaigns with early support raise up to 2x more.
Day 2: Share on WhatsApp Status and Small Groups
Once you’ve received 3–5 donations, it’s time to share a little wider.
- Post to your WhatsApp Status
- Share in family, school, or neighbourhood groups
Suggested message for groups:
“We’ve just launched our BackaBuddy campaign to help with [brief cause].
Thank you to everyone who’s already helped. If you’d like to support or share, here’s the link: [insert link]”
Suggested WhatsApp Status:
“Raising funds for [short cause]. Please support or share [insert link]”
How to post a WhatsApp Status:
1.Open WhatsApp
2.Tap Status
3.Tap the Pencil icon to write your message
4.Paste your link
5.Tap the spacebar after your link (this shows the preview)
6.Tap Send
Read our guide: “Promoting your crowdfunding campaign on WhatsApp”
Tip: Refresh your status every few days with thank-you updates or new progress.
Day 3: Reach Out to Your Wider Network
Think of people outside your close circle who would still care:
-
-
- Extended family
- Old classmates or teachers
- Former or current colleagues
- Church or community groups
Send a brief, warm message with your campaign link. A personal approach goes a long way.
Day 4: Post Publicly on Social Media
You’re ready to post more broadly.
Tips:
- Write a friendly caption (2–3 lines)
- Add a photo or video
- Include the donation link or say “link in bio”
Example Facebook post (150–200 words):
“We’ve launched a BackaBuddy campaign to support [Name], our [relationship if applicable – e.g. daughter or friend].
So far, we’ve raised R[amount] of our R[goal] — and we are so grateful.
Donations will help cover [short impact – e.g. physio or school fees].
Please support or share if you can.
[Insert link]
Instagram post example:
“We’ve launched a campaign to help [Name] with [brief cause].
R[amount] raised so far of our R[goal].
Every bit helps.
Link in bio.”
Tip: Pin your post to your profile and tag people who’ve supported you.
Read our guide: 7 Effective Ways to Promote Your Crowdfunding Campaign and Get Donations”
Day 5: Ask for Social Media Champions
Ask 2–3 friends or early donors to reshare your post with a personal note.
Suggested message:
“Hi [Name], thanks again for your support.
Would you mind resharing the post I shared about the campaign, and maybe adding a few words about how you know me or why you chose to support?
Here’s the link to the post: [post link]
Campaign link: [BackaBuddy link]”
Example caption they can use:
“I’m resharing this post from [Your Name].
They’re raising funds for [cause] and I’ve already donated.
If their story moves you, please donate or share: [insert link]”
Also do this:
-
- Go to your campaign page > Manage Campaign > Edit
- Add the link to your original social media post so others can find and reshare it
- Tag and thank supporters when they reshare
Day 6: Film a Quick Campaign Video (If You Haven’t Yet)
A 30–60 second video filmed on your phone can boost donations up to 4x.
What to say:
-
- Introduce yourself
- Share what’s happening
- Say why help is needed now
- End with: “If you can support or share, we’d be grateful”
Use the video on:
-
- Your campaign page
- WhatsApp Status
- Social media
- Email to [email protected] (for help sharing with donors)
Day 7: Start Verification
Once you have a few donations:
-
- Log into your dashboard
- Upload your ID and banking details (secure and confidential)
- Verification builds trust and allows payout
If anything is unclear, your campaign manager is here to help.
Day 8: Share in Groups or Forums
Expand your reach by sharing in:
-
- Local Facebook or community groups
- WhatsApp chats with neighbours or teams
- Forums or cause-based spaces
Include a short, genuine message — don’t just post a link.
Day 9: Share a Story or Video Update
Post a quick thank-you or progress update to keep your story visible.
Suggested caption:
“We’ve raised R[amount] so far — thank you.
This campaign is for [Name], who is [short story].
We’re close to our goal of R[target].
If you’d like to support or share: [link]”
How to post a link in Instagram Stories:
1.Tap Stories
2.Select a photo/video
3.Tap the Sticker icon
4.Choose the Link sticker
5.Paste the link and customise text
6.Post
Day 10: Celebrate a Milestone
Whether you’ve raised R1,000 or more, thank your supporters.
Suggested caption:
“Thanks to over [donor count] people, we’ve raised R[amount] of R[goal].
This has already helped us [impact so far].
[Name] is [brief description].
This support has [e.g. lifted a huge weight].
Thank you.
If you’d like to support or share, here’s the link: [BackaBuddy link]”
Day 11: Share Again (With a New Angle)
Most people need reminders. Share again with a fresh approach:
-
- Use a different photo
- Add a short update
- Include a quote or story
- Mention how support is helping
Day 12: Follow Up Personally
Message people who:
-
- Said they’d donate
- Reacted but didn’t click
- Helped in past campaigns
Use a gentle reminder:
“Hi [Name], just checking in — no pressure, but if you’d still like to support or share, here’s the link.”
Day 13: Share Your Story with the Media (Optional)
If your campaign has 20+ donations and a strong story, you can explore media coverage.
-
- Write a short press release
- Include 1–2 photos and a quote
- Submit to platforms like MyPR or Pressportal
- You can also contact local journalists
Read our guide: “How to Share Your Crowdfunding Campaign in the Media”
Day 14: Donor Update (Sent by BackaBuddy)
Let your donors know how it’s going.
Email [email protected] with:
-
- 2–3 short sentences about progress
- What the support has meant
- A photo (optional)
We’ll send the update on your behalf. Donor updates keep supporters engaged and help build long-term trust.
There’s no perfect way to run a campaign. What matters is showing up, sharing honestly, and staying connected. The BackaBuddy team is here to help you every step of the way — from setting up your campaign to reaching new audiences.
If you ever feel stuck or unsure, reach out. You’re not alone — and you’ve got this. Get your questions answered by our friendly support team, Contact Us.
by Zane Groenewald | Jul 3, 2025 | BackaBuddy Navigation Guides, Tips
To get your campaign fully verified and ready to receive donations, you’ll need to upload a bank account confirmation letter. This letter helps us ensure the account details on your campaign are valid and linked to you (or your organisation).
We know admin isn’t the most exciting part of crowdfunding — but we’ve made it as easy as possible. Below are step-by-step instructions to help you download the letter from your bank.
If you run into any trouble, don’t worry — we’re here to help.
Absa
Using the Absa App
-
- Log in to the Absa Banking App
- Select your account
- Tap Details, then Download Confirmation Letter
Online Banking
-
- Head to absa.co.za and log in
- Click Accounts, then choose your account
- Select Account Confirmation Letter to download or email it to yourself
Capitec Bank
Using the Capitec App
-
- Open the app and log in
- Tap Save, then select your account
- Tap Send Account Details — this will email the confirmation letter to you
Online Banking
-
- Log in at capitecbank.co.za
- Go to Account Info, then download the letter
Prefer to go in person?
Visit any Capitec branch with your ID and they’ll print it out for you.
Discovery Bank
Using the Discovery App
-
- Log in
- Tap Transact, then choose your account
- Tap Account Details > Download Confirmation Letter
Online Banking
-
- Go to online.discovery.bank
- Click Accounts, choose your account
- Then select Download Confirmation Letter
FNB
Using the FNB App
-
- Open the app
- Tap your account > More
- Select Account Confirmation Letter
Online Banking
-
- Go to fnb.co.za and log in
- Click My Bank Accounts > Account Options > View Details
- You’ll see the option to Download or Email your letter
Nedbank
Using the Nedbank Money App
-
- Log in
- Tap your account, then go to Documents
- Select Account Confirmation Letter
Online Banking
-
- Visit nedbank.co.za and log in
- Click Accounts, select your account
- Choose Download Account Confirmation Letter
Standard Bank
Using the Standard Bank App
-
- Log in to the app
- Tap your account > Details
- Tap Send/Download Confirmation Letter
Online Banking
-
- Go to onlinebanking.standardbank.co.za
- Select Accounts, then your account
- Click Download Confirmation Letter
TymeBank
Using the TymeBank App
-
- Log in
- Tap your EveryDay Account
- Tap More Options > Download Account Confirmation Letter
Online Banking
-
- Go to tymebank.co.za and log in
- Click on Accounts, choose your account
- Select Download or Email Confirmation Letter
Uploading Your Letter to BackaBuddy
Once you’ve got your confirmation letter, head to your campaign dashboard, go to the Verification section, and upload your document.
Double check the following before uploading:
✔ Your full name is clearly visible
✔ Banking details match what’s listed on your campaign
✔ The letter is dated within the last 3 months
✔ The file is a PDF or clear image (JPG/PNG)
We recommend doing this as soon as you can — this is the final step before your funds can be paid out.
Need a Hand?
We’ve put together a helpful step-by-step video to walk you through the verification process:
Watch here: How to Verify Your Campaign & Get Funds
Still unsure or stuck? You’re not alone — just drop us an email on our contact page or reach out to your campaign support manager.
We’re here to help you every step of the way. You’ve got this!
