A team of adventurers led by Cami Palomo (62), founder of the Avela Foundation, is set to embark on an arduous mountain trek to raise funds for the Umatter program. Palomo, originally from El Salvador but now living in Cape Town, will be joined by seven men, two of whom are from South Africa. The team will hike Cotopaxi, an active volcano in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador, for eight days starting from May 27th.
Pictured above: Cami Palomo Training in Drakensberg
The Cotopaxi hike is a challenging and strenuous 8-day trek that involves hiking up to 5,897 meters to reach the summit of an active stratovolcano in the Andes Mountains. The hike requires acclimatization to the high altitude, physical fitness, and proper gear. It involves ascending steep snow and ice slopes and navigating crevasses, making it a demanding physical and mental challenge.
The Avela team is hiking to raise funds for the Umatter program on BackaBuddy, a South African crowdfunding platform. Their fundraising campaign is currently running, and they have already raised over R234 000 towards their goal of R1,000,000. The Umatter program, a collaboration between the Avela Foundation and the Smile Foundation, provides emotional and physical care to young burn survivors in South Africa who are in dire need of support.
Pictured above: Team Avela From left to right Natasha Nicolakakis, Dr. Kamlen Pillay, Niki Callis, Isabella Callis, John Edwards, Roger-michael Raad, Cami Palomo. (Past and future climbers)
Burn injuries are one of the leading causes of fatal injuries among children up to the age of 15 in South Africa. The Umatter program has a growing team consisting of a program manager, clinical psychologist, national coordinator, patient wellness and support counselor, and regional coordinator. The program aims to help families navigate the challenges of burn injuries and promote healing and recovery for everyone involved.
The Umatter program collaborates with Burnshield and surgical students to distribute pamphlets and kits to communities, clinics, and schools to raise awareness about burn prevention. Additionally, the program has created a closed WhatsApp group for parents and caregivers of burn survivors to provide psychological support, counseling, and peer support.
Palomo stresses the significance of psychological support for burn survivors and their families, given the trauma and emotional distress associated with burn injuries. “Burn injuries can be extremely traumatic not just for the survivor but also on their family and loved ones,” says Palomo. “The Umatter program can help address the emotional needs of both.” With the right support, children with burn injuries can achieve remarkable things.
Pictured above: Cami with a patient at the opening of the refurbished Kimberly hospital in 2022.
Avela Foundation and Smile Foundation have previously raised significant funds for the Umatter program by climbing Kilimanjaro in 2019 and reaching Everest Base Camp in 2018, respectively, using the BackaBuddy crowdfunding platform.
The Cotopaxi hike is an important part of the Avela Foundation’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness about the needs of burn survivors and the importance of providing psychological and physical support to those who have suffered burn injuries. It is also an opportunity to challenge themselves physically and mentally and to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Andes Mountains.
The Avela team is calling on supporters around the world to donate to their BackaBuddy campaign and help them reach their fundraising goal. By supporting the Umatter program, donors can make a tangible difference in the lives of young burn survivors and their families and help them on their journey towards healing and recovery.
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 R400 Million.
Suraya Williams, founder of the Design26 Foundation, has launched a crowdfunding campaign on Backabuddy to raise funds to build a community sewing skills training centre in Harmony Village, Mitchell’s Plain, Cape Town. The foundation aims to empower young women in Mitchell’s Plain to become financially self-sufficient.
Williams, who is 46 years old and from Mitchell’s Plain, rediscovered her gift and passion for sewing and design after her mother’s passing on her birthday. In 2018, she founded the Design26 Foundation to provide skills, work opportunities, and a positive outlook to young women in the community.
Pictured above: Suraya Williams (Image: Fairlady Women of the future)
“The lack of job opportunities and the prevalence of drugs, alcohol, and abuse can make it difficult for young women to see a positive future,” Williams said. “The Design26 Foundation aims to break this cycle by providing training and employment opportunities to young women in our community.”
Suraya says that with youth unemployment in South Africa sitting at 43.4%, she and her team believe that providing training and employment opportunities is crucial to giving young women the tools they need to succeed.
Suraya believes that addressing the issue of youth unemployment in South Africa is critical, especially considering the high rate of 43.4%. To empower young women and equip them with the necessary skills for success, she and her team believe that offering training and employment opportunities is vital.
The foundation is seeking to raise R20 million to develop the “Hope Community Skills Centre and Manufacturing Plant” in Mitchell’s Plain. The funds will be used to purchase land from the City of Cape Town and construct a building that will house the centre and manufacturing plant. The centre will have classrooms, training facilities, and equipment for sewing and design.
To achieve their objective, Williams and the Design26 Foundation are appealing to the public to collaborate with them in creating a better future for the youth of South Africa.
One way to contribute is by donating a brick for R100 or by committing to a monthly contribution through the crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy. Donors who are comfortable being acknowledged will have their names displayed on a donor board at the new centre.
“We believe that by providing training and employment opportunities, we can give young women the tools they need to succeed,” Williams said. “Let’s make a difference together.” -says Suraya
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 R400 Million.
Greta Wilson, a dog lover and resident of Lakeside, Western Cape, has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy to raise funds for Funda Nenja, an organization that focuses on animals. Funda Nenja operates in Mpophomeni Township just outside Howick, Kwazulu Natal, providing dog school classes to children and their dogs, and veterinary treatment and sterilizations.
Greta’s fundraising target is R 20,000.00, and she has already raised R 2189.20 through her campaign. To further support the cause, Greta will be doing a swim at Silvermine Dam on Friday, May 12th, to honour the memory of her recently deceased friend, Cynthia. Cynthia had planned to be Greta’s cheerleader and distance verifier but passed away in March at the age of 73.
Greta’s swim will consist of 26 lengths, approximately 7.8 kilometers, and will take between 3 -4 hours, depending on weather conditions and water chop. To ensure the swim’s accuracy, Cynthia’s friend Shireen and Greta’s aunt Jo will verify that she swims 23 lengths, each estimated at 300 meters.
Greta’s crowdfunding campaign is managed by BackaBuddy, and all payments will go directly to Funda Nenja as the sole beneficiary. Lisa Button and Adi Olivier at Funda Nenja are aware of Greta’s fundraising swim and support her efforts.
“This is my birthday wish ahead of my 2 June birthday. I visited Funda Nenja in 2016 and believe in their incredible educational work so more dogs and dog guardians can upskill for an increased understanding of what their human wants from them as much as the human understanding of their dog’s needs.”
Funda Nenja not only runs dog training classes but also supplies kennels, vaccinations, deworming, tick and flea treatments, and sterilizations with the help of volunteers and their dedicated team of vets and social workers.
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 R400 Million.
Lisa Peché, a devoted mother from Fourways, Johannesburg, is seeking support to fund her daughter Madison’s trip to Malta for the International Invitational gymnastics competition.
Madison, a gifted young gymnast, has been training since she was five years old to fulfil her dream of competing on the world stage. She has already secured over 20 trophies and 46 medals in various local and national competitions, including the gold for beam in the SA national competition last year.
Pictured above: Madison Peché
Unfortunately, the Peché family is unable to cover all the expenses associated with Madison’s trip to Malta, including airfare, accommodation, banquet and entry fees, and the correct display outfits. To make this dream a reality, they have created a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, aiming to raise R50,000.
The competition will be held in early July 2023 and it is the 38th women’s and men’s international gymnastics competition. Madison is thrilled to participate and showcase her skills at this prestigious event. Lisa emphasizes that every donation counts and any contribution towards this campaign will be greatly appreciated. Since the campaign’s launch, almost R10000 has been raised from generous donations.
Pictured above: Madison Peché
Madison’s motto is “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams,” and her family is asking for support to help her achieve hers. With the help of the public, they hope to raise the funds needed to cover the expenses and support this talented young gymnast in achieving her goals.
“Madison is generally a quiet girl, but when she competes she becomes so confident and focused. Competing brings out the best in Madison. We truly hope she will be given the opportunity to shine in Malta” – says Lisa
Pictured above: Lisa and Madison
If you would like to help Madison reach her dream, you can support her campaign on BackaBuddy here:
This is a rare opportunity for Madison, and with your help, she can make it a reality.
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 risen over R400 Million.
Creating a fundraising campaign that successfully raises funds for someone in need starts with crafting a compelling crowdfunding story. Your story is the foundation upon which you can build an emotional connection with potential supporters and inspire them to donate to your cause.
In this guide, we have compiled a list of 10 essential elements to consider when writing a powerful online appeal.
Get inspiration from skilled storytellers
Before penning your story, take some time to explore successful fundraisers and their stories. Look for examples of courageous storytelling that moved you to tears, touched your heart, or left you feeling inspired. Reflect on the specific aspects of these stories that resonate with you and consider how you can incorporate similar elements into your own narrative.
The title of your fundraiser is the first introduction to your campaign. It holds immense power as it draws attention to your plight and can encourage potential donors to visit your campaign page. Will you choose a lighthearted approach to grab attention or an emotive one to tug at heartstrings? Whatever you choose, make sure to include the name of your beneficiary and highlight their specific need for fundraising.
Introduce your beneficiary
Begin your crowdfunding story by introducing the person or people you are fundraising for. Who are they? What is their name, age, and where do they come from? It’s important to provide some meaningful backgroundinformation about the focal point of your campaign and why they are in need of help. Are they battling a medical condition, facing financial hardship, or have they been presented with an exciting opportunity?
As the storyteller, what is your personal relationship to the beneficiary or the cause? Sharing your personal connection can help build trust and credibility with potential supporters, and allow them to better empathize with your cause.
Nickey Seger launched her ‘Power of a Promise’ campaign to cover Nellie Khuzwayo’s final year of private school, which she paid out of her pocket for 9 years. Introducing Nellie, and the wonderful young lady she had grown up to become, Nickey reached her target, and had funds left over to send Nellie to Nursing school.
What lead you to crowdfunding?
Capture the defining moment that motivated you to start your crowdfunding campaign. What specific event or circumstance sparked your decision to seek support from others? Whether it was a personal experience, financial hardship, or sudden crisis, express it in a clear and captivating sentence or two. This will give your story context and provide potential donors with a deeper understanding of the situation, and how the needs, which your crowdfunding campaign hopes to address, came to be.
Your funding needs
It’s crucial to clearly define the need or challenge that you’re raising funds for. Provide specific details about how the issue is affecting the person in need, so potential supporters can understand the gravity and urgency of the situation. To help donors relate to your cause communicate the needs in a tangible way, providing a breakdown of costs where possible.
The Impact of your campaign
It’s important to clearly communicate the positive impact donations will have if the campaign is successful. This could include specific goals you hope to achieve or the positive changes that will occur in the beneficiary’s life. Donors contribute to causes because they are hopeful and empathetic individuals that want to be a part of the solution and know in their hearts that have made a meaningful difference.
Naledi Thahanyane, who lives in a children’s home in Johannesburg, was only 4-years-old when doctors discovered she needed Life-saving heart surgery to save her life. With donors understanding the clear impact of their donations, little Naledi was able to have her surgery and celebrates full-health today.
Call to action
Encourage potential supporters to donate to your cause and share your campaign with their networks to help reach a wider audience. Reiterate your gratitude and remind donors of the impact they will help to create for your beneficiary. Additionally include links to your social media channels where donors can receive regular updates on the progress of the campaign.
Editing
It’s important to take the time to edit and refine your message before sharing it with potential supporters. Keep your message short and concise, no longer than 200-500 words, and use paragraphs and comfortable spacing to separate your ideas. To highlight important information, consider bolding, underlining, or italicizing key phrases or words.
It’s also important to maintain a friendly and conversational tone throughout your campaign message. Don’t be afraid to inject some personality into your story, as it will put donors at ease and encourage them to support you on your fundraising journey.
Before sharing your campaign, be sure to do a quick spelling and grammar check. Consider asking someone you trust to proofread your story for you, as they may be able to catch errors or provide valuable feedback.
Visual Storytelling
Incorporating visual elements such as images, infographics and videos into your crowdfunding story can make your appeal more compelling to donors, as it brings the cause to life and adds a sense of reliability to your cause.
Studies indicate that fundraisers with a video tend to raise 4X more funds than those without, as it can build an emotional connection with potential supporters, increase credibility, and make it easier to convey complex information. When selecting visuals for your campaign, ensure that they are high-quality and relevant to the story you are sharing.
Sean Clarke, a Para-athlete from Johannesburg, provides a great example of an effective crowdfunding video. In his campaign to raise funds for James, a teenager in need of a prosthetic leg, Sean created a short yet impactful video introducing James and his life-long struggles.
Updates & Milestones
To keep your supporters engaged and invested in your crowdfunding campaign, it’s essential to provide regular updates. Let your donors know when you reach important milestones and express your appreciation for their continued support. Share the impact that contributions have made, so that donors may see the measurable difference they have created. Regular updates not only build trust but also motivate continued support.
Conclusion
In conclusion, crafting a crowdfunding story is more than a mere appeal for donation it’s about creating a heart-to-heart connection with potential donors.
Showcase the real people behind their struggles and their dreams. Demonstrate the impact funds will have on your beneficiary and be transparent about how funds will be used.
By bravely sharing your story with authenticity and vulnerability, you can inspire others to join your cause and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need.
How Can We Help?
Get your questions answered by our friendly support team directly on WhatsApp on your mobile or desktop.
Answers to our most frequently asked questions are just one click away!
Our Knowledge Base gives you detailed articles curated by our customer success experts.
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 risen over R400 Million.
