Manila, Philippines – Zelda Carlamarie Eberson (40), a single mother from South Africa, and her 17-year-old son, Jordan, find themselves in a dire situation and make a desperate plea for help to return home.
After facing a series of challenges and hardships during their stay in the Philippines, Zelda, who battles with mental illness including depression and severe anxiety, embarked on this journey three years ago with the hope of earning money online as a freelancer and providing a better life for herself and her son.
Unfortunately, their plans took a devastating turn when Zelda’s online ventures failed to generate the expected income. As a result, the family found themselves struggling to make ends meet, facing constant health issues, malnutrition, and even hospitalization due to Dengue Fever.
Adding to their troubles, they have exceeded the three-year legal limit for staying in the Philippines, making them overstayers and placing them at risk of arrest, separation, and indefinite detention in a detainee facility under alarming conditions, pending deportation.
Zelda and her son, Jordan want nothing more than to return home to South Africa
Despite Zelda’s numerous attempts to seek assistance from government offices over the past year, her pleas have gone unanswered, leaving her and her son in a state of desperation.
Their primary concern now is to return to their familiar home country, where Zelda can receive the necessary support for her mental health and Jordan can find safety and stability.
“We are living in constant fear and panic,” Zelda shares. “I can hardly afford rent and food here, let alone pay the fines and fees required for us to leave the Philippines voluntarily. We are begging for help to avoid the horrifying fate of being trapped in dangerous prisons for years, like other foreigners who have faced similar circumstances.”
To get back home to her mom, who lives in Nelspruit, Zelda has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy that has raised over R1500 so far.
Zelda has outlined a plan for utilizing any assistance received to ensure their safe return to South Africa.
The funds will be allocated as follows:
Legal Expenses: Cover fines, legal fees, and associated costs related to their current legal situation in the Philippines.
Visa Fees: Pay for the necessary visa fees required for their travel back to South Africa.
Airline Tickets: Purchase two one-way plane tickets from Manila to Johannesburg, enabling them to return home safely.
Transportation Assistance: Cover transportation costs for visits to the embassy and immigration offices in Manila, facilitating the necessary paperwork for their departure.
Accommodation: Seek affordable rental options for a room in Manila during their stay, ensuring a temporary place to reside until their departure.
Food and Essentials: Allocate funds for basic necessities, such as low-cost food items like noodles, bread, and other essential supplies, to sustain them during their stay in Manila.
Airport Transportation: Arrange transportation from the airport upon their arrival in South Africa.
Dental Treatment: Schedule a visit to a dentist in South Africa to address Jordan’s urgent dental needs, including an extraction procedure.
The plea from Zelda and Jordan is a cry for help, emphasizing their desire to avoid a bleak future in detainment and seek solace and stability back in their homeland. Their hope lies in the kindness and generosity of individuals who can lend a helping hand during their time of desperation.
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 R290 Million.
Melkbosstrand – Marcelle Viljoen, a longstanding member of the Ouskip Caravan Resort community for the past nine years, has taken a proactive step to support three families devastated by a recent fire. Viljoen has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, appealing for assistance in rebuilding the lives of those affected.
On May 15, 2023, tragedy struck when a raging fire engulfed the homes of nine permanent residents at Ouskip Caravan Resort in Melkbosstrand. The families lost everything they owned, leaving them in a state of shock and despair. Determined to make a difference, Viljoen initiated the campaign to provide the families with the necessary resources for a fresh start.
The primary objective of the campaign is to secure funds for the acquisition of vital raw materials. These materials, including second-hand caravans, tents, awnings, electrical installations, and household items such as beds, fridges, stoves, and gas appliances, will help the families rebuild their lives and regain a sense of stability amidst the devastation.
Transparency and accountability are key priorities for Viljoen and the campaign organizers. To ensure donor confidence, comprehensive financial statements and records will be made available to all contributors. This transparency will enable donors to witness firsthand how their contributions are utilized and the direct impact they have on the lives of the affected families.
Additionally, each of the three families will personally express their gratitude and acknowledgement for every donation received, highlighting the profound impact of community support during challenging times.
No donation is too small, and every contribution will be immensely appreciated. By joining forces and displaying solidarity, individuals can make a significant impact on the lives of the Ouskip Fire Victims. Together, we can help these families rebuild their homes and instil hope for a brighter future.
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 R290 Million.
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.
