Crowdfunding is the practice of funding a project or satisfying a need in your organization by raising money from many people who each contribute a small amount to your cause.
Crowdfunding is growing rapidly in South Africa, giving non-profit organizations an opportunity to raise more money through tapping into power of the crowd.
It is a way fundraise that doesn’t rely on sponsorships from big businesses or the government, but rather relies on many small contributions from those around you who are inspired by your cause.
Although over R59 million has been raised on BackaBuddy for various causes, our most successful charities, The Smile Foundation and Rainbows and Smiles for example, will tell you that crowdfunding is not easy.
If you understand that crowdfunding requires a lot of effort, speaking to your networks and isn’t a quick fix for your organization, then you’re in the right mindset for a successful campaign!
In this article, we will cover the following:
Do you have the necessary tools to run a campaign?
Managing your Crowdfunding Expectations.
What are your needs?
Do you have access to a crowd/network?
Who is going to be in charge of your campaign?
Do you have the tools you need to run a campaign?
For a successful crowdfunding campaign you need access to a couple practical tools such as a Computer, Smartphone with an Internet connection. If you are unable to connect and talk to your potential donors, it will be difficult to raise funds online.
Have you created social media accounts for your organization? Do you have a mailing list with email addresses or database of your supporters?
Do you have previous success stories or testimonials from past projects in the form of videos, photos, articles etc will bring credibility to your campaign.
Managing your Crowdfunding expectations
Are you crowdfunding for a quick/large cash injection to save your organization or do you need to secure funding for a certain need within your organization?
Although crowdfunding can be rewarding, success does not come easy to those who expect a large amounts of money in a short space of time, particularly you are a new charity.
The chance of you reaching your target shortly after you go “live” is rare, our big, high networked charities, would be able to tell you that it doesn’t happen often!
If you understand that crowdfunding is a process that requires the correct marketing message, a target that isn’t too high and lots of communication with your supporters, then you have a clear view of what to expect!
What are your needs as a charity?
Simply put, WHAT are you crowdfunding for and WHY.
Crowdfunding is the most effective, when you focus on a certain need that you can measure.
Sit with your fundraising team and your finance department to identify specific needs that are “tangible” and easy for the public to understand.
This step is very important in determining how successful your campaign will be, general phrases should be avoided.
Your donor wants to know exactly where their money is going to in order to connect with your cause.
What doesn’t work:“The funds will be used for social upliftment”
What works: “The funds will be used to build a free-clinic in Mitchells plain that will support a community of 200 people”
What doesn’t work: “To help children reach their potential”
What does work: “It costs R30 000 to put one child through a coding course, we hope to put 5 children in through this course at Buddy Coding School in Blouberg by 2019.
What doesn’t work:“ Raising money for awareness”
What does work:“We plan to visit 10 Government schools to educate students about Gun safety”
Tip: Be the first person to support your own campaign. No one wants to support a project that has 0 funds raised.
Setting a realistic, target is an important part of setting up your crowdfunding project.
If your target is too high, you will discourage donations in smaller amounts, because your donor might think their R100 donation won’t make your barometer go up.
As a non-profit, you most likely have a number of important needs in your organization, for the purpose of crowdfunding, it is better to tackle one need at a time.
For example, You might need 5 new vehicles for your organization that will cost R500 000, which might discourage the average donor, but if you crowdfund for 1 vehicle that costs R100 000, your campaign seems a lot more achievable.
Finding your crowd.
Crowdfunding can be a great way to raise money, build your donor database and communicate with your donors on a more personal level.
Where is my crowd?
Your existing Donor Database. (List of names and contact information of those who have donated to your charity in the past)
Your Social Media followers
Your website or blog subscribers.
Past & Present Volunteers/Interns.
The Media: Your local radio station/local paper
Your family & Friends
Who will be in charge of the campaign?
A successful crowdfunding campaign, can’t be done alone.
Rainbows and Smiles have raised over R2 Million rand on BackaBuddy. Click here to see how.
You will need at least one person in your organization who will be in charge of all the crowdfunding activities.
Sit down with your team and determine who will be responsible for the following:
Setting up the campaign.
Marketing the campaign by creating interesting things to post online.
Engaging with your supporters.
Who will run the Facebook/Twitter page.
Updating donors on how successful your campaign was and thanking them for their support.
… so do you think you have what it takes to run a successful campaign?
Listen to our COO, Catherine Du Plooy’s advice to new charities using crowdfunding here
From a young age, Ethan Palagangwe (10), a talented singer from Mitchells Plain, Cape Town has been drawn to music.
Inspired by his songstress mom, he can often be heard around the house, singing songs by his favourite musicians such as Chris Brown, Michae Jackson, Bruno Mars and Justin Bieber.
“Ethan started singing around the house at the age of 8. When he started singing for our friends and family at gatherings, we realized that he has a God given talent that we needed to nurture.” says Ethan’s mom, Candice.
When Ethan’s parents saw that the prestigious Drakensberg Boys Choir School in Kwa-Zulu Natal was having an open call to auditions, they signed him up, in hopes that he would be given a once in a lifetime opportunity to sharpen his singing skills and receive a world-class education.
Performing one of his favourite songs, “Ben”, by Michael Jackson, Ethan soaked up the spotlight and was one of only 30 students, out of 1600, to receive an acceptance letter to enrol at the private school.
Unable to cover the cost of his schooling, which amounts to approximately R 175 000 for his first year, Ethan’s parents launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy that has thus far raised over R98 000 with contributions from 26 donors both locally and internationally.
The Palagangwe family from left are Cade, Kagisho, Ethan, Candice and Kaycee. Picture: Plainsman
With his acceptance fee and uniform covered, Ethan has already begun his first semester through online classes.
Starting on a high note, he has already received 92% for his first music theory assignment, despite never taking music studies. He is also excelling in his mathematics quizzes.
Needing additional funding for the remainder of his fees for the school year, Ethan’s parents hope the public will continue to support his dreams.
“We are going to miss seeing our little man everyday, but we know he will continue to make us proud and inspire others with his unique gift. A new and exciting journey lies ahead!” says Ethan’s proud dad, Kagisho
Ethan will officially arrive at his new school on the 1 February 2021.
For a crowdfunding campaign to succeed in the digital age, campaign creators need to connect with their audience through positive storytelling and visual content.
In this guide, we will be discussing how video content can empower your campaign and allow you to raise more funds and awareness for your cause.
If you missed our guide on campaign story writing, please click here.
Why create a campaign video?
Crowdfunding campaigns supported with relevant and campaign-specific video content tend to raise 4 times more funds on average.
When sharing on social media, video content also increases your engagement up to 7 times – this means that your post is more likely to be shared and reach more people than a static image or written post.
Shoot a video on your phone
For the purpose of a crowdfunding campaign, you don’t need professional lighting, equipment or editing skills to convey a powerful message.
We recommend shooting a short, personal and informal message on your cellphone that can be posted on social media as well as your crowdfunding campaign.
Make sure you are presentable and wearing comfortable clothes (try to avoid clothes with busy designs or alot of text).
Choose a clearbackdrop or tidy background to shoot your video.
Try to eliminate as much background noise as possible.
Lastly, just be yourself.
Telling your story
Keeping in mind that your video should be between 1-3 minutes long, try to answer these questions in a friendly, positive manner:
Who are you fundraising for?
What are you fundraising for and how will funds be used?
What will the positive impact of donations be?
What lead you to crowdfund? (Turning point)
What is your time-frame?
How will funds be administered? (paid into a personal account or directly to a supplier/institution?)
Let viewers know where they can make a donation
Ask viewers to support your campaign by donating on BackaBuddy and ask them to help share your campaign with their friends and family.
*Remember to include your campaign link in the post you create, to make donations easy.
Include text and images in your video
Did you know? Videos are commonly watched without sound? Using simple video editing software, make your video more engaging by adding images, text, captions or animations to expand on your campaign message.
Video Editing software to use
For simple video editing, we recommend using apps like Vue or InShot – free apps available on both IOS and Android devices. Watch these tutorials below to help you make your decision.
If you would like to include music in your video, avoid copyrighted material as this is often muted on social media and could have legal implications.
Luckily, YouTube has put together an Audio Library of free, copyrighted music anyone can use.
Take a look at these inspiring videos on BackaBuddy
From living as a homeless man on the streets of Pretoria, Llewellyn Barnes defeated all odds to participate amongst professional players in major golf tournament. With his crowdfunding campaign, set up by non-profit organization, Fearless Love, Llewellyn shared his life story and where his love of golf began. Read more.
American intern, Joseph Payne, made an inspiring and informative video for his Backabuddy campaign to support the DOCKDA Rural Development Agency. Using a combination of images, text and snippets of video, he perfectly described his crowdfunding project.
When Amahle Zenzile was unable to attend the South African Junior Chess Champions Closed in Johannesburg, her best friend and fellow competitor, Trinity Van Beeck set up a crowdfunding campaign on her behalf. In their campaign video, Trinity and Amahle challenged each other to a friendly game of chess and shared details of their close friendship. Read more.
The Owen’s family, put together an emotive video with their crowdfunding campaign for IVF treatment. With enough background information we got a sense of what they were going through.
20 years ago, Marlene Spies went into kidney failure and was in a coma for a long time. The medication she was given affected her the ability to hear and see.
To restore her hearing with a Cochlear Implant her granddaughter set up a campaign on BackaBuddy. The positive impact donations would have on Marlene’s life and wellbeing is undeniable in this short video.
Blankets for Baby Rhinos put together a short yet effective ‘thank you’ message onto their campaign to show how donations had already been put to use.
When Kerryn and Michelle Hugo shared the news with their beloved domestic worker, Antonia Mtambo that the campaign to build her a new home had exceeded their initial fundraising target, her response was so heartfelt that donations kept coming in and the video even made national news! Read more.
Did you know that on Facebook video content results in 7 times more engagement? (likes/comments/shares). Learn more about posting your campaign video on Facebook here.
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 R390 Million.
The implementation of the national 35 day lockdown to flatten the curve of the COVID19 pandemic has interrupted the lives of all South Africans. While our economy has come to a halt and many things seem uncertain, the South African spirit remains intact.
Take a look at these crowdfunding initiatives launched on BackaBuddy, to support South Africans in need.
Supporting doctors, nurses and healthcare facilities
The Solidarity Fund
As mentioned in President Cyril Ramaphosa’s address to the nation on Monday the 23rd of March, The Solidarity Fundhas been set up to contain the spread of the Covid19 virus, detect and monitor infections, ensure that all those infected get proper treatment and support those disrupted by the crisis this pandemic has created. The campaign has raised over R1.3 Million thus far.
Support this cause on BackaBuddy.By donating to this campaign, all donors qualify for a Section 18A tax certificate issued by The Solidarity Fund.
The Gift of the Givers
The Gift of the Givers have been working tirelessly to fight the spread of the Coronavirus epidemic, by assisting medical practitioners and facilities on the frontline with necessary supplies such as manual and automated ventilation equipment, intubation equipment, medical supplies and safety equipment. The campaign has raised over R1.7 Million thus far. Read more
Support this cause on BackaBuddy.By donating to this campaign, all donors qualify for a Section 18A tax certificate issued by The Gift of The Givers.
1st for Women Insurance
1st for Women Insurance has launched a crowdfunding campaign to support nurses with protective gear and psychosocial support, partnering with Gift of the Givers and Vula Mobile to care for our nurses on the frontline of covid19. To kickstart their campaign the company donated R500 000 to their cause. Read more
Support this cause on BackaBuddy.By donating to this campaign, all donors qualify for a Section 18A tax certificate issued by The Gift of The Givers.
Anaesthesiologist, Dr Niall Evans
Dr Niall Evans, a specialist anaesthesiologist in Cape Town affiliated to the private and public hospital doctor groups, has launched a campaign to support the Gift of The Givers, in providing health workers with N95 masks, as both public and private hospitals are currently unable to provide them. The campaign has raised almost R400 000 thus far.
Support this cause on BackaBuddy. By donating to this campaign, all donors qualify for a Section 18A tax certificate issued by The Gift of The Givers.
N95 masks needed by health workers
The Witkoppen Clinic
The Witkoppen Clinic have created a campaign to prepare for an increase in Covid19 cases should the coronavirus strike Region A and hit the rest of Johannesburg even harder.
“The healthcare system in South Africa is only as strong as its weakest link and sadly Region A of the City of Johannesburg is a weak link.” says campaign creator Dagmar Kahn, “There is no general hospital in the north of Johannesburg, but rather this gap has been filled over the last 70 years by Witkoppen Clinic (Witkoppen). But with COVID-19, the bridge over this gap is slowly crumbling and reaching its breaking point!”
Support this campaign on BackaBuddy. As a registered Public Benefit Organisation (PBO), any contributions to Witkoppen would enjoy Section 18A tax-exempt status.
Hlayisekani Frontline Support Fund
The Hlayisekani Frontline Support Fund has been set up by doctors, Jacques Du Toit and Bianca Moffett to support frontline healthcare workers in rural Mpumalanga.The Tinstwalo/Wits COVID Response Team urgently need help to prepare their rural hospital and clinics for the inevitable spread of COVID19.
Kirsty Richardson launched a campaign to support the False Bay Hospital in Cape Town with funds to purchase supplies and support their staff during the covid19 outbreak.
Non-profit organisation, A Plea For PPE have created a campaign to provide masks, face shields and other personal protective equipment to health-care workers, doctors, nurses, EMTs and support staff across South Africa.
Sibongile Mongadi from Gauteng launched a campaign to assist healthcare workers on the frontline of the Covid19 outbreak. Teaming up with designers with 3D printing capabilities, Sibongile hopes to raise funds to purchase material filaments, 2 more 3D printers and laser cutter to produce masks.
Heatherbank School in the Walmer Township in Port Elizabeth, have created a campaign to support their 207 students who rely on their school feeding scheme. They hope to provide the students and their families with R200 food vouchers during the lockdown.
Focusing on Pietermaritzburg and surrounding areas, Porky’s People, has created a campaign on donations based crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy, to support as many families as possible with food and other essential items during the lockdown. READ MORE
Honoring social distancing guidelines, funds raised by Porky’s campaign will be converted into digital food vouchers that can be redeemed at any local Shoprite supermarket.
Facebook group, #ShutSADown, have created a campaign to raise funds to purchase digital food vouchers for families across South Africa who are unable to work during the lockdown and are struggling financially as a result.
#SanitizeSouthAfrica is a movement created by a group of young South African women, to raise funds to provide sanitization materials to communities who do not have the luxury of self-isolating and are unable to wash their hands constantly.
Cape Town Together is a rapidly developing community-based response to COVID-19. To support the Kirstenhof, Tokai, Westlake and Mitchells Plain communities in Cape Town, a campaign has been launched to assist vulnerable families with food, sanitation items, baby products and other essential items during the lockdown.
Brandon Lee Hunt, a full-time musician from Cape Town, has created a campaign to help support his family as he is unable to perform shows with the implementation of the lockdown. Brandon has promised donors that he will also be hosting live concerts from home to keep everyone entertained and inspired during this period.
Storm Febb (25) a chef from Plettenberg Bay, has launched a campaign to help provide for himself and his 4-year-old daughter during the lockdown. Before the Covid19 outbreak, Strom secured a position at Hamanya Beach in Israel but his plans were sadly interrupted.
Blind entertainer, Gary G, from Cape Town has created a campaign to make up for the loss of income he is experiencing after having to cancel his upcoming gigs due to the lockdown.
Clynton Clarke, AKA DJ Bizzy B. has created a campaign to make up for the loss of income he is experiencing due to being unable to work during the lockdown. Funds raised will help him provide for his family.
Sport paramedics, Yolanda and Henry Pearson from Pretoria, have been unable to work as schools have closed for the lockdown and all sporting tours have been canceled. To cover their bills, the couple have set up a campaign to raise funds.
Malusu Mpateni has launched a campaign to support his siblings who need help covering their bank repayments as their daycare center in Cosmo City, Johannesburg, is unable to operate during the lockdown.
Annorien Geyer, owner and founder of Bloemfontein Authentic Barbershop, has created a campaign to help her employees get through the lockdown as they rely on their commission to support their families.
Lending his support, Singer Francois van Coke posted this message on his social media to encourage donations.
Jurgen Fourie who runs a small garden services company in Port Elizabeth, has set up a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for his 6 employees as they are unable to work during the extended lockdown. The campaign has raised over R25 000 thus far.
With the implementation of the national lockdown, Beerhouse has had to temporarily lay off over 80 staff members. To support its employees with funds to support their families, the company set up a campaign on BackaBuddy that has thus far raised over R40 000.
CNR Cafe in Randburg, Johannesburg, have launched a campaign to raise funds for their 18 staff members who have lost their main source of income due to the COVID19 lockdown. With the support of generous donors, the campaign has raised over R60 000 thus far.
The Royale restaurant in Randburg, Johannesburg have created a campaign to support their waiters and bar staff during the lockdown period. With the support of generous donors, the campaign has raised over R40 000 thus far.
Founders Restaurant and Grill in Sandton, Johannesburg, have launched a campaign to support their 9 waiters during the lockdown period. The campaign has raised over R20 000 thus far.
Caroline Strydom, the Owner of Perfectly Polished, a Boutique Salon in Craighall has launched a campaign to support their talented beauty therapists that rely on tips and commission to get by. The campaign has raised over R30 000 thus far.
Jeff Livingston from Durban has launched a campaign to save his business, Zulumoon Gondolas and support his 7 workers during the lockdown period.
“Since the onset of the coronavirus, our business has been forced to close over what is one of our peak seasons which carries us through the year. We need help now so that when it is over we can continue with the business and keep the jobs of our team which represent not only the individuals but their families as well. “ says Jeff
Farro restaurant in Johannesburg has launched a campaign to support their staff members who are unable to work and provide for their families during the lockdown.
Espresso Caffé and Bistro in Gauteng have launched a campaign to support their waiters and bartenders during the lockdown. Many of the waiters started as kitchen staff and some have been working for the company for over 20 years.
Sergio Caon, owner of Bistro Dolce Vita Restaurant, in Morningside, Johannesburg, has launched a campaign to help cover the salaries of his 14 staff members for the duration of the lockdown.
Netsai Washaya, the managing director of TimeOut Nails & Beauty, has launched a campaign to support their 5 technicians as they are unable to work during the lockdown.
Quote This Woman, a non-profit organization and database of woman experts, have launched a campaign to keep their website running and cover the salaries of their staff during lockdown.
Cattle Baron in Tyger Waterfront in Cape Town, have launched a campaign to support their staff, most who are the breadwinners of their family, with funds to get them through the lockdown as they are unable to work.
LLoyd Newton, the owner of Satori Restaurant in Johannesburg, has launched a crowdfunding campaign to cover the salaries of his staff as they are unable to work and receive tips during the lockdown.
Owner of SIX restaurant in Johannesburg, Ebrahim Asmal, has launched a campaign to cover the salaries of his Waiters and Bartenders as they are unable to work during the lockdown.
BlackJack Events have launched a campaign to support their 200+ waiters, barmen, chefs and porters from Gauteng, who rely on hourly wages and tips to get by. Most of the individuals have been with the company for over 15 years and are also the primary breadwinners in their families.
Owner of Resilience Gymnastics Club in Robertsham, Johannesburg South, Roxanne van Herwaarde, has launched a campaign to help cover their rent costs and employee wages as they are unable to operate during the lockdown period.
Faaiza Omar from Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, celebrated her 40th birthday by launching a campaign to support the Al-Imdaad Foundation and their Covid19 initiatives for families left without income, food and access to healthcare. Her campaign has thus far raised over R100 000.
TooMuchWifi has launched a campaign to distribute critical information and much-needed internet access in some of the most high-risk communities in South Africa for COVID19 infections and mortality.
The project will specifically benefit the following areas in Cape Town: Dunoon, Langa, Joe Slovo, Manenberg, Gugulethu, Philippi, Nyanga, Bonteheuwel, Vrygrond, Phoenix, Hangberg, Imizamo Yethu, Khayelitsha, Mfuleni and Mitchells Plain
Shelley Finch and a group of friends from Cape Town, have launched a campaign to give at least 200 families across South Africa the gift of food security during the COVID19 lockdown period by purchasing Nutritional Packs. With their project, they aim to support the following organisations: Philisa Abefazi Bethu, Ukama Community Foundation, Community Action Networks (CAN). This campaign has already raised over R140 000 with support from generous donors.
To support the reclaimers that play a crucial role in our society, African Reclaimers Organisation (ARO) have launched a campaign as to support the activists who are unable to work during the lockdown. With their campaign they hope to support more than 6000 families with food and essential items.
Founder of Bambelela Wildlife Care NPC, Silke von Eynern, has launched a campaign to help keep their doors open as the lockdown has directly affected their fundraising efforts and the organization’s sustainability.
The Dlala Nje Foundation has created a campaign to raise funds to cover their fixed and running costs, as they are unable to generate funds through their Johannesburg inner-city tours with the implementation of the national lockdown.
Facebook group and NPC, #Imstaying have launched a campaign to prevent a potential outbreak of COVID19 in Mfuleni, an informal settlement in Cape Town, by providing residents with hygiene packs.
Massimo’s restaurant in Hout Bay have created a campaign to prepare meals to be distributed to the needy, in collaboration with ‘Gracie love in a bowl’ and ‘Community Cookup IY’.
The Township Yogi Project has created a campaign to curb the spread of the coronavirus in our township and slum communities by purchasing hand sanitizer for those in need.
Phronesis Students Development Trust NPC is a Non-Governmental Organisation, dedicated to breaking the cycle of Poverty. They have launched a campaign to raise funds to pack 1000 food and hygiene parcels for underprivileged, informal and rural communities during the Covid-19 Lockdown.
Karl Hildebrandt, Founder of The PWR Project, based in Cape Town, has launched a campaign to raise funds to provide 300 meals a day to the homeless, elderly and vulnerable during the lockdown. Funds raised will go directly towards preparing the meals, which cost around R10 each.
Debbie Sykes has launched a campaign called #CircusKidsConnect, to raise funds to cover data costs for the Zip Zap Social Circus beneficiaries. Data will allow these students to gain online access to their training, inspirational messages, zapercises and ‘how to’ series through Zip Zap’s Virtual Circus.They are aiming to connect 250 students with 2G data during the lockdown period.
The CreditSmart team have launched a campaign to support consumers who are unable to earn money during the lockdown period and are unable to pay their debit. With this fund, the company aims to help as many consumers as possible pay at least one account that has no alternative but to be paid and help individuals in need purchase food and other essentials
A campaign has been created to support over 60 young girls who attend the BRAVE workshops in the Cape Flats with food, hygiene and cleaning supplies to make it through the lockdown period. Over R20 000 has thus far been raised.
Carin Lichtenstein from Midrand launched a campaign to support Ubuhle Bezwe, an orphanage in the informal settlement of Ivory Park. Funds raised will help the organisation feed the 40 children in their care for the next 3 months.
Pug Rescue SA , who home 189 orphaned Pugs and Honorary-Pugs have also launched a campaign to make up for their upcoming fundraisers that have been cancelled due to the nationwide lockdown.
Nation Builder, a Mergon initiative, that inspires and equips businesses to lead in social change have created a campaign to support non-profit organisations across South Africa. Funds raised will be used to stand in the gap for NPOs who have lost and will lose significant funding with the nationwide lockdown.
Running Wild Conservation, a Non-Profit Organization, that looks after lions and cheetah’s have launched a campaign to help cover their running costs, outstanding veterinary bills and to support their staff during the covid19 outbreak.
Non-profit organisation, CHOC, who look after children and teenagers suffering from cancer, have created a campaign to make up for the loss of income they will experience after having to cancel their upcoming fundraising events.
Cheetah Preservation Foundation which has been running for 35 years, have launched a campaign to keep their doors open, as they receive no government funding and their upcoming fundraising events have been canceled due to the lockdown.
The Manger Care Centre currently houses and feeds more than 230 individuals that are elderly, disabled or destitute. With their crowdfunding campaign, the organisation is raising funds to provide Masks, Gloves, hand sanitizer and other essential items to the people in their care. Unable to fundraise during this time, the organisation also needs funds to cover their rent, electricity and water and building maintenance.
Bet on better have created a crowdfunding campaign to provide families in need, as well as homeless individuals, that have been placed in temporary shelters around Johannesburg with food and essential supplies.
Foundation for the Advancement of Musicians Empowerment
The Foundation for the Advancement of Musicians Empowerment NPO have created a campaign to support local musicians who have had to cancel events, festivals, shows, performances, and gigs due to the lockdown.
The South Coast Hospice Association has created a campaign to make up for the loss of income they are experiencing due to having their in-house fundraising canceled due to the lockdown.
The Msunduzi Hospice Association in Kwa-zulu Natal has launched a campaign to cover their running costs after their fundraising events have been canceled due to the lockdown.
Create your own crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy:
BackaBuddy has supported more than 10 000+ individuals and charities in setting up crowdfunding campaigns for medical fees, tuition and various other causes in South Africa.
The Gift of the Givers have been working tirelessly to fight the spread of the Coronavirus epidemic.
Through the launch of a campaign on BackaBuddy, the Gift of the Givers have raised a total of R 1 908 064.41 with contributions from 1380 donors, to provide medical practitioners across the country with much needed support.
Please see below, a brief update on this campaign by Dr Imtiaz Sooliman from Gift of the Givers.
With support from the public, The Gift of the Givers has intervened in the Covid-19 challenge in several decisive approaches:
1. Focused on front line health care workers by providing protective materials and essential equipment.
“In addition to the procurement of one million masks, we have ordered or already have in stock coveralls, Hazmat suits, reusable and disposable surgical gowns, scrub suits, latex gloves, head covers, shoe covers, goggles, visors, thermal scans and sanitiser. Thus far we have distributed protective supplies to 160 hospitals and clinics nationwide and the list is expanding. ” – says Dr Sooliman.
2. Set up 30 triage tents at key hospitals to limit virus contamination to the outside of the hospital.
3. Carried out Covid-19 testing. Over thirteen Covid-19 testing sites have been set up and over 5000 patients have been tested. The Gift of the Givers team members have been actively involved in the testing process. Gift of the Givers has partnered First Care Courier Pharmacy to provide a mobile Covid- 19 testing team that travels distances for mass testing. The testing team covers parts of Gauteng, Mpumalanga, North West and Limpopo. Gift of the Givers has purchased six ILEX pcr test machines which will be set up in specially designated Covid-19 lab facilities to speed up the testing process.
4. Provided over 70 000 food parcels to vulnerable individuals and supported over 100 feeding centres nationwide.
“Food intervention is an absolute necessity. We envisage a much greater intervention in these areas in the coming days.” – says Dr Sooliman.
5. Provided water in drought stricken areas.
“Our water tankers deliver 530 000L of water per week in the Eastern Cape. In addition we have 400 fully functional boreholes drilled over an 18 month period which provides clean drinking water daily.” says Dr Sooliman.
6. Produced and distributed material re-usable masks.
“Material masks have been donated to us as well as rolls of material. Various women sewing groups have participated in sewing masks for us. These are being provided to the health department Covid-19 contact tracing teams to hand out to high risk individuals.” – says Dr Sooliman.
7. Supplied over 40 000 maternity and baby packs to mothers on the verge of delivery.
8. Provided a toll free line to give feedback on testing and related Covid-19 information – 0800 786786
9. Provided a toll free counselling service to assist individuals with domestic and other counselling matters.
10. Placed medical volunteers on standby to intervene in a major crisis.
“Our core volunteer teams are ready to intervene in the face of a major crisis, are reviewing and studying Covid-19 information on a daily basis, and are playing a major role in testing.” – says Dr Sooliman.
11. Provided protective material for SAPS.
“Supporting SAPS has become an important consideration seeing that they are so vulnerable being exposed to those positive patients in various communities. Gift of the Givers has been supplying SAPS headquarters, various divisions of the police services and various regions with protective supplies as well as food and water at checkpoints.” – says Dr Sooliman.
12. Fifteen video laryngoscopes for ICU have been bought. The first five have been delivered to Steve Biko, Tshwane General, Charlotte Maxeke, Rahima Moosa and Sebokeng Hospitals.
13. Gift of the Givers will be supporting the eThekwini Municipality homeless shelter by paying for registered nurses to attend to 2700 individuals.
