by Zane Groenewald | Feb 14, 2022 | Campaign, Featured
Rudy van Dieman (26), a tour guide for Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, began 2022 with an ambitious goal: to achieve 365 summits up Table Mountain, for charity.
The challenge which began on 1 January 2022, and will end on the 31st December 2022, came about as a means to show youngsters the power of a strong work ethic and demonstrate that they can achieve anything they set their hearts and minds to.
“What youngsters in our society need today, is a good role model, to show them that there are opportunities outside of drugs. crime and gangsterism and drugs. I hope my challenge will be a beacon of hope for those in disadvantaged communities” Says Rudy
Rudy, who has worked with several charities since matriculating high school in 2014, is focused this year on uplifting a new organisation, Angels SA, located in his hometown of Mitchells Plain, Cape Town.
With a crowdfunding campaign launched on Backabuddy, Rudy hopes to raise R1 Million, which the organisation can use to purchase a safe house for children.
“In Mitchells Plain, there are only three known orphanages, two are for babies until five years, and after that, children are placed in safe houses for three months then move from home to house until they find families to keep them longer. With the safe house, we want to create a stable life and environment for children, where they can stay until the age of 18, before entering the job market” – says Rudy
Rudy on Day 3 of his challenge.
Since the launch of his campaign Rudy has raised almost R5000 with kind contributions from 17 donors.
Thus far, Rudy has completed 44 climbs up Table Mountain, covering a distance of over 100 km, and has been joined by more than 15 individuals supporting his cause.
Rudy with a group of students inspired by his cause
Rudy’s initiative is inspired by his hero, Andrew Patterson, who through his 365 Ubuntu Climbs challenge in 2018, raised almost R1 Million rand on BackaBuddy, to support Habitat for Humanity, One Heart, and The Sunflower Fund. Read More.
“I watched Andrew climb table mountain every day through the summer sun and winter rain, I could never understand why he would do this. The more I watched him, the more it became clear to me, ‘to focus on today and what you can do right now to make South Africa better’ as Andrew says” – Rudy
Rudy with ‘Mountain Man’, Andrew Patterson in 2018
“Rudy first contacted me in 2020 to tell me he wanted to tackle this challenge. Climbing Table Mountain every day for a year is a mammoth undertaking — but once I heard why he wanted to do this, I had absolute faith in him. Rudy is an incredible man with big dreams and an even bigger heart. I’m incredibly proud of him and supporting him with every step he climbs.” – says Andrew
Determined to make a difference
Working full-time, living with epilepsy, and struggling financially, in conjunction with the physical demands of his challenge, has been difficult but no less rewarding says Rudy, who is determined to keep going.
“Just as life is difficult for so many people, this challenge hasn’t been a walk in the park, but I remain positive, and through God’s grace I am finding balance. I am putting one foot in front of the other, concentrating on the important things in life and trying my best to create positive change” – says Rudy
One step at a time, Rudy is determined to reach his goal
Support Rudy’s campaign on BackaBuddy:
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/angels-sa-project-365
Alternatively, donate via Snapscan:
https://pos.snapscan.io/qr/AngelsSAProject365
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 R290 Million.
by Zane Groenewald | Feb 12, 2022 | Campaign, Featured
On 14 December 2021, Marizka De Villiers (26) and her two daughters Megan (5) and Chané (9 months), were brutally attacked by the neighbour’s pit bull on an agricultural plot in Randfontein, Johannesburg.
While looking for their dog which went missing, the neighbours dog broke through his chain, began circling Megan, and eventually attacked her face.
“I was fighting with the pitbull while holding my baby in my arms. I shouted out for help but no one came. I told Megan to lay still and to be quiet so that the pitbull would think that she’s dead” – says Marizka.
Without transport, Marizka walked to the nearest road, carrying both her children in her arms, and flagged down a motorist, who drove them to Mohtlakeng 24hr clinic.
Trying to save Megan’s life, Marizka got bitten on both her arms and on her hand, while holding Baby Chané, who suffered serious bites on her lower leg and limb, exposing the muscle to the left of her groin.
Megan’s injuries to her face and arms were so severe, that her chances of survival were minimal.
In need of serious medical attention, Marizka, Megan, and Chané were soon transferred to Leratong Hospital. Megan’s heart stopped beating for the first time on the way there.
Arriving at Leratong Hospital, which was at full capacity, Megan was declared “dead on arrival” as she lost a lot of blood and wasn’t breathing.
In the ambulance on the way to Baragwanath Hospital, Megan’s heart stopped beating for a second time. Fighting for her life, Megan didn’t give up and she pulled through, against all odds.
“This has by far been the most traumatic experience of my life. I have never been so scared and felt more helpless. It felt like time stood still while waiting to hear if my girls were going to make it” – says Marizka.
Hoping for Healing
After a week in the hospital, and not in need of surgery, Chané was eventually discharged on 21st December 2021.
Since the ordeal, Megan has had surgery on her face to close her wounds, as well as surgery on her lower and upper eyelids. She was finally discharged on Christmas eve, 24th December 2021, after spending 2 weeks in hospital.
The family has since moved to Hillshaven, Westonaria.
“Christmas is supposed to be a time of joy and happiness, but it was a very difficult time for our family. Every time I see our battle wounds, I am reminded of what we have gone through. Our lives changed in an instant” says Marizka.
Megan on 12 Jan 2022.
To assist the family with the reconstruction surgery Megan will need to undergo, as well as the trauma and occupational therapy she will need, Carol Murphy, a good samaritan, who met Marizka at Leratong Hospital, has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, to appeal to the public for support.
Since the launch of the campaign, over R5000 has been raised, towards the family’s fundraising target of R50 000, with kind contributions from 10 donors both locally and internationally.
Funds raised will be used for the family’s medical expenses and transport, as Marizka is currently unemployed, and doesn’t have medical aid or access to her own vehicle.
“I just want the girls to get the best treatment and surgery they might need and to be together. If this target is reached it will keep my faith in humankind, but most importantly, help the family who desperately needs help” – says Carol
Megan on 7 Feb 2022
“Megan is physically doing well but emotionally she’s struggling with the whole situation. I hope that she will recover fully and that she can get the best medical care” – says Marizka
Support this campaign on BackaBuddy:
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/mb-de-villiers
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 R300 Million.
by Zane Groenewald | Feb 4, 2022 | Campaign, Featured
On the evening of 21 January 2022, Christeen Syffert (36) and her two daughters, Justeen (9) and Leanie (6) were involved in a serious motor vehicle accident on N17 Voortrekker Road in Alberton. The family was on their way home after seeing Christeen’s mom.
Paramedics arrived on the scene and found a car, a bakkie, and an SUV that had collided, according to an ER24 statement.
Christeen was trapped in her vehicle, and Justeen and Leanie lay on the ground a few metres away.
Tragically, Christeen died on the accident scene, and Lianie and Justeen were rushed to Netcare Union Hospital suffering critical injuries.
Justeen had bleeding on the brain and lung, injured her liver, and fractured her spine and leg. Sadly, a week after the incident, Justeen passed away from internal injuries and brain damage at Netcare Union Hospital.
As a result of the accident, little Lianie fractured her skull, injured her liver, broke her teeth, and suffered facial cuts as well as a dislocated jaw. She was later placed in an induced coma to allow her body to heal. Lianie has since been transferred to the pediatric ward at the Clinton Hospital, where her distraught father, Neil, watches over her.
“Lianie is doing much better but the road to recovery is still long and hard. She woke up from the seduced coma. Lianie had an operation on Wednesday, 2 February, where they inserted plates in her face. (She has lots of crushed bones on her face)” – says Christeen’s sister-in-law, Cornel Pretorius.
Mounting medical bills
To support the family, who doesn’t have medical aid, with their mounting medical bills, Cornel, has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, which has since raised over R230 000, towards their fundraising target of R1 Million rand, to cover the families current and future medical costs.
More than 450 donors both locally and abroad have stepped in to help the family during this traumatic time in their lives.
“I would deeply appreciate you sharing their campaign with your network to help them receive the help I require. Please also consider pledging a monthly donation to enable their family to pay for their medical bills” – says Cornel
Speaking to Elzaan Pienaar at the Alberton Rekord, Cornel said:
“Christeen and Neil were married for 11 years. She was the most loving person who always wanted to help everyone as if it was a shoulder to cry on. She was the support pillar that kept the family together.
“We are going to miss Christeen’s smile and just everything about her. She was always so positive and giving. Her hands stood still for nothing.”
Support the Syffert family on BackaBuddy:
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/justeen-and-lianie
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 R290 Million.
by Zane Groenewald | Feb 3, 2022 | Campaign, Impact
In January 2022, Matthew Hahm (11), Thorne Davids (10) and Alex Jacobs (9), from Parkwood, Cape Town, heard a loud dog’s cry after a free-roaming dog chased Bruno, Thorne’s puppy into the road where he was knocked by a car.
Without hesitation, the three children put Bruno in a car seat and walked 2km, each carrying a side of the baby chair, to Cape of Good Hope SPCA, to help the pup who was traumatised and in a lot of pain.
“Thank you to the wonderful SPCA who are doing their magic to ensure that Bruno is brought back to health and to the families of these children for raising what can only be described as angels.” – says Anthea
Pictured above: Bruno in his baby car seat
‘These children are our future’
“These children showed us something so incredible – an act of kindness from which we could all learn something special.” – said Anthea Scholtz, a massive fan of SPCA’s work, who has since launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy to reward the ‘Super Citizens.’
Since the launch of the campaign, over R16 000 has been raised towards the fundraising target of R20 000 which will be used to purchase much-needed school uniforms and stationery for the boys (Matthew and Thorne) and girl (Alex), as well as treat them to a day of their dreams.
“We want to ensure that all three children and their families have what they need to keep nurturing what are already very special souls.”
“The funds raised will go toward showing these Super Citizens exactly how wonderful their deed was and to shine a truly positive light on Animal Rescue. It’s a small act of kindness like this that adds up to something far greater than we could imagine. Let’s reward those that do so much good. These children are our future.” – says Anthea
Anthea has asked that funds raised be administered by BackaBuddy NPC, to ensure that funds are used for their intended purpose, and to provide full transparency with donors. Donors will be updated on the children’s progress, says Anthea.
Support the Super Citizens on BackaBuddy:
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/super-citizens
Alternatively, donate via Snapscan:
https://pos.snapscan.io/qr/Super-Citizens
This story has sent tails wagging:
A few messages from the 39 donors who have supported the children thus far.
“Thanks for inspiring us to take better care of our animal friends!” – Joseph O
“Well done boys, please stay the kind angels that you are protecting animals, Thank you to SPCA” – Danni
“So happy that these wonderful children have shown such kindness. I hope that their parents are beyond proud. ” – Caro Beggin
“So proud of you for taking responsibility and care for your puppy. May you all be blessed x” – Caryn Kennedy
“Such mercy, kindness and compassion displayed by these gentle little souls.” – Raksha
Update: Fun in the Sun
On Saturday 12 Feb 2022 the team at Super Citizens spent the most wonderful time taking the families of Thorne, Matthew, Alex and puppy Bruno out on the day of their dreams.
A sailing experience for eighteen people started the day of fun by spotting dolphins and other beautiful sea life. Add to that Ferris wheel rides and a day filled with great food – it all amalgamated into what was simply a beautiful experience.
The stationery has been delivered to the children and their uniforms are all ready for collection. This has served as a truly wonderful project to thank the three children for an unforgettable deed for their dog, Bruno.
Credits:
- Waterfront Charters for the sailing experience
- Bluebird Bespoke Travel for the chauffeured luxury vehicles for the families
- Marc Shane Berman for the photography on the day
- John Sanei, Shinnai Visser
- Tarryn Kelly & Sanela Paisley (Super Citizens team) for all the help in networking to raise funds
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 R290 Million.
by Zane Groenewald | Feb 3, 2022 | Campaign, Featured
On 12 February 2022, Nadia Lewis (43), from Randburg, Johannesburg, took on the aQuellé Midmar Mile, swimming 1.6km to honour the memory of her son, Hanno, who passed away 8 years ago due to a rare form of cancer.
Hanno’s cancer journey
In June 2013, when Hanno was just 2-and-a-half years old, the happy and healthy boy, who was usually an endless ball of energy, struggled to make it up the driveway when playing with his dad, Tiaan (46), and developed a cough out of the blue that just wouldn’t go away.
Worried about their little boy’s health, Nadia and her husband booked the first available appointment at the paediatrician, who discovered that a mass was impacting Hanno’s right lung and obstructing his air flow.
Whilst in surgery to remove the mass, the Lewis family learned the devastating news that their almost 3-year-old son had a very rare and aggressive soft tissue tumor called Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma.
Hanno’s first round of chemotherapy
Adding to their heartbreak, Nadia, who was 8-weeks pregnant at the time had found out days before that she had suffered a miscarriage.
Despite encountering serious complications during treatment, Hanno braved chemotherapy for 8 long months, and was due to start radiation, when his cancer metastasized to his brain.
Hanno braved chemotherapy for 8 long months
“Hearing that our Hanno had terminal cancer shattered our hearts into a million pieces. We continued with his chemotherapy and radiation for a short while longer, until we decided to stop his treatments altogether, and focus on enjoying every moment we had left with our little man. It was the hardest decision we’ve ever had to make” – says Nadia
Surrounded by his parents, Hanno passed away on 19 July 2014, just three days before his 4th birthday; his little brother, Hugo was only 5 weeks old.
Hanno holding his baby brother Hugo. 5 weeks later Hanno died.
Finding purpose
In the year that Hanno passed away, Nadia began volunteering for Rainbows and Smiles, a non-profit organisation based in South Africa, which provides emotional, social and financial support to families and caregivers in need when a child of that family is diagnosed with a life threatening illness.
It is here where Nadia found her tribe, her ‘new normal’ and her purpose: ‘making a difference in the lives of these little humans fighting an unfair fight’
“When Bonni Suckling, the founder of Rainbows and Smiles, took me under her wing, I felt comfort in knowing I wasn’t alone. She understood the weight of the loss I had experienced, because her son Jed passed away from cancer, too. Her strength and the way she fights for the children we meet still moves me today” says Nadia
Keeping Hanno’s memory alive
The Rainbows and Smiles team and their extraordinary volunteers participate in various fundraising events to support the organization, which receives no government funding.
To keep Hanno’s memory alive, Team Rainbows, dedicates the Midmar Mile swim in particular to Hanno every year, as he had just learned to swim, 3 months before his untimely death.
Hanno learning to swim
What made this year even more special is that ‘non-sporty’ Nadia will be an active participant in this year’s event, and not only cheer from the sidelines.
Admittedly a bit nervous for the swim, Nadia, stepped out of her comfort zone to raise much-needed funds for Rainbows and Smiles through crowdfunding on BackaBuddy.
Since the launch of the campaign, over R32 000 has been raised with support from donors both locally and internationally, towards her fundraising target of R12 000, which will support the organisation and the amazing work they do.
“Hanno was so young and resilient. Even through treatment he wouldn’t stop playing, running, and jumping. He was, and still is, such an inspiration to me. I can hear him in the back of my mind cheering us on. I want to make him, and his little brother Hugo proud” says Nadia
‘No one gets left behind’
Staying true to the Hawaiian word ‘Ohana’, which means ‘family’, and the Lilo & Stitch, manta ‘no one gets left behind’, Nadia was joined by her Rainbows and Smiles collegues Bonni Suclkling, Zelda Wessels, Denise Towell and her close friend, Catherine Drysdale, as she braved her fear of ‘dark and murky waters’ for the first time.
The ladies, who have each played a role in Hanno’s life, and have provided tremendous emotional support to Nadia through her healing journey, each wore a letter on their swimsuits, which together, will spell out ‘Hanno’.
Nadia Lewis and Bonni Suckling at a Rainbows and Smiles event
“It is so special to have ‘Team Rainbows’ – my best friends – join me on this swim across a full dam. I know they have my back and I have so much love for them” – says Nadia
Support is always needed
Nadia hopes the public will join her, her team members, and the 14 champions swimming to raise funds for Rainbows and Smiles swimmers at the Midmar Mile this year, as the organisation is always in need of public support.
“As an organization, we are thankful for every donation, big and small, that we receive. We meet so many people on a daily basis who are going through the most difficult time in their lives fighting cancer. If we can be there to lend a smile, a helping hand or a word of encouragement, we know it means the world to them”
“A few months ago a social worker put us in touch with a mother who was staying in the hospital ward with her very sick little girl. It was the middle of winter and she had no sandals on her feet, no toiletries, just the clothes on her back. As a small gesture, we bought her a few pairs of warm clothes and fluffy slippers, and she fell to the ground, thanking me. As I helped her to her feet, I was reminded of how important it is for us moms to look after each other. That moment will stay with me forever.” – says Nadia
Support Team Hanno by donating on BackaBuddy:
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/team-hanno-swims-for-rainbows-and-smiles
Alternatively, donate via Snapscan:
https://pos.snapscan.io/qr/TeamHanno
Update from Nadia: 4 March 2022
The Midmar 2022 was indeed a very special swim for our team, and we are super grateful to everyone who participated, donated, and cheered from all over the world. Your good vibes, love and support carried me through that dam. There was no way on earth that I would have given up! Not for all the tea in China! Phew, I made it! Word on the street is that I am now classified as an elite athlete. Regardless of my Midmar time
Special thanks to the BackaBuddy team for their support. We were so privileged to receive all the coverage we did through various media platforms, putting our little charity with the big heart on the map. Thank you to EVERYONE who donated and sent messages of well wishes to me and the Team. Thank you so much to each and every swimmer who travelled from a far to honour our children and their loved ones. Lastly to my besties (I am blessed with a few) , family, friends and acquaintances, your love engulfed me. I am honestly the luckiest chick alive – THANK YOU, says Nadia.
Almost 1000 children are diagnosed with cancer in SA every year
The need for cancer awareness is more important now than ever, says Nadia.
“Experts say that around ⅔ of cancers remain unreported and untreated, because of the socio-economic challenges we face as a country, and the lack of awareness around early cancer detection, particularly in children. This means that many individuals don’t get the help they desperately need in time” – says Nadia
Meet ‘Team Rainbows’
Thus far, 14 champions have come on board to pledge their support for Rainbows and Smiles at the aQuellé Midmar Mile. Collectively, they have raised over R56 000 on BackaBuddy:
Raise funds for Rainbows and Smiles
Members of the public can participate in sporting events, pledge their birthdays or simply sign-up to raise funds for Rainbows and Smiles year-round, by setting up a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy here.
How Rainbows and Smiles uses donations:
- Distribution of grocery vouchers.
- Providing basic clothing needs.
- Craft days at the hospitals.
- Assistance with transport for patients and parents to and from hospital by providing funds.
- Assistance with medical expenses
- Psychosocial holistic care.
- Bead Bravery project and comfort room
- Basic medical equipment, like ports, port needles and PPE.
- Assistance basic sanitary ware like nappies, wipes and sanitary pads
- Toys and activity sets delivered on a regular basis.
- Paediatric oncology ward upliftment.
- Sponsorships of workshops where top Dr’s collaborate in the field of Paediatric Oncology.
- Awareness talks at schools and companies.
- Contributing to funerals arranged for the precious children who have passed away.
- Lastly, fuel to reach the hospitals and patients they support.
Connect with Rainbows and Smiles
Rainbows and Smiles is a community based, charitable foundation dedicated to providing emotional, social and financial support to children diagnosed with cancer or a life-threatening illness, and their families and caregivers.
Download brochure
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 R290 Million.
