When the phone rings at SADAG’s Crisis Helpline, counsellors never know who’s on the other end, only that it might be someone’s last attempt to hold on.
Sometimes there’s a voice. Sometimes there’s just silence, a pause, a shaky breath, a quiet cry.
And then, softly: “I don’t know who else to talk to.”
For 31 years, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) has been answering that silence. It’s South Africa’s leading mental health organisation, and the only one running 24-hour suicide helplines, every single day of the year.
Now, during Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, SADAG is asking South Africans to help them keep those lines open with their campaign, “Answer The Call for Help.”
Every Call Is a Story
Each day, SADAG counsellors answer over 2,500 calls, and one in four is suicide-related. Behind every number is a person in pain, searching for a reason to stay.
“When someone finally speaks, you can feel the weight in their voice,” says a SADAG Call Centre Manager, Tracy Feinstein. “There’s fear, shame, exhaustion… but also a flicker of relief. That’s when we tell them, ‘You’ve done the right thing by calling. You’re not alone.’”
Those words, simple, human, steady, can be the difference between despair and hope. Sometimes, they are the first words a caller has heard all week that sound like care.
“A Missed Call Can Mean a Missed Life”
What happens if no one answers?
“For many, that call is the moment they finally reach out. If no one picks up, that courage can turn into hopelessness. A missed call can mean a missed life.”
That’s why SADAG is urgently raising R180,000 to cover its helpline operating costs for November — the month the world pauses to talk about suicide in men, but the calls never stop coming in.
“On average, it costs R50 to answer one call,” SADAG Development Manager, Fatima Seedat explains. “But that one call might save a father, a sister, a friend. Behind every answered call is training, empathy, and hours of emotional care.”
Why Men Stay Quiet
About half the calls SADAG receives are from men, and many of them say the same thing: “I don’t want my family to think I’m weak.”
Fatima shares that, “Men in South Africa are raised to fix everything but themselves. They’re told not to cry, not to talk, not to break. So when they do finally reach out, they’re terrified.”
That’s why SADAG focuses on making that first call safe. “We remind them that reaching out isn’t weakness, it’s courage,” she says. “The moment they speak, the silence breaks, and healing begins.”
“You Just Saved My Life”
For SADAG’s counsellors, there are moments that never leave them. “After an hour of listening, someone will sometimes whisper, ‘You just saved my life.’”
“It’s the most humbling thing. Because that’s what this work is, listening. Not fixing, not preaching. Just being there when it matters most.”, says Fatima.
A Country Finding Its Voice
In the early 2000s, mental health was barely discussed in South Africa. Now, thanks to decades of advocacy, the conversation is growing louder.
“Before COVID, we received around 800 calls a day,” Fatima says. “Now it’s more than 2,500. People are talking, which means the stigma is breaking.”
But access to care is still scarce. “We’ve made progress, but we need more hands, more hearts, more funding. That’s why this campaign matters so much.”
“If Every South African Gave R50…”
Every call costs roughly R50 to answer — the price of a cup of coffee. “If every South African gave just R50, we could answer thousands more calls,” Fatima says. “Imagine that — thousands of people finding someone who says, ‘How can I support you?.’”
To make that vision a reality, SADAG has launched a BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign to raise R180,000, the amount needed to keep its Suicide Crisis Helplines open throughout the month.
So far, 23 compassionate supporters have already contributed over R12 000, helping SADAG get closer to its goal. Each donation — no matter the size — keeps a counsellor on the line and ensures that when a call for help comes in, it never goes unanswered.
Because that’s what SADAG has been doing for 31 years: reminding South Africans that no one should ever face silence alone.
Join the movement by donating to SADAG on BackaBuddy:
Carlee Smith (34) from Randburg, Gauteng, has always believed in the power of healing through art and community. Through her beloved art studio, Studio by Red’s Imagery, Carlee’s mission is to help others rediscover joy, self-expression, and hope – one brushstroke at a time. But when a criminal drained her savings after stealing her phone, the very space she built to heal others suddenly faced closure.
Now, thanks to her cousin Kayla Smith and the incredible outpouring of community support through a crowdfunding campaign, Carlee is seeing her own lesson come full circle: that healing and hope are often born from connection.
Carlee and Kayla
A Dream Painted in Colour and Courage
For Carlee, The Studio by Red’s Imagery wasn’t just a business idea – it was a promise kept.
“The studio was born from a dream my grandmother and I once shared,” Carlee explains. “We wanted to create a space where creativity wasn’t reserved for artists, but open to everyone – a place where art could heal.”
That dream became a reality in Randburg, where Carlee transformed an empty space into a vibrant, inclusive haven for creatives of all ages. Her vision was to make art less about skill and more about freedom – from messy Splatter Room sessions to tranquil drawing classes and expressive workshops for moms and children.
“I wanted people to realise that creativity isn’t about talent, it’s about expression,” she says. “It’s about rediscovering that childlike joy of creating without fear or judgment.”
In just a year, The Studio by Red’s Imagery became a lifeline for hundreds. Artists, parents, children, and even people in recovery found in it a rare sense of belonging – a place where laughter and colour replaced the worries of the world, even just for a little while.
From Crisis to Community: When the Givers come together
But earlier this year, Carlee faced a devastating setback. When her phone was stolen, hackers gained access to her accounts and drained her savings – putting her studio’s future at risk.
Without hesitation, Carlee’s cousin Kayla Smith stepped in, launching a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy on October 10, 2025, titled “Help Keep The Studio Alive – A Home for Creatives.” The goal: R50,000 to cover operating costs while Carlee rebuilt.
“Carlee has given so much of herself to others,” Kayla shared. “This studio is more than four walls – it’s a home for creativity and connection. When she lost everything, we knew we had to rally behind her.”
In just weeks, the campaign has already raised R34,350 from 11 generous donors, proof of how deeply her work has touched lives.
For Carlee, that response has been nothing short of humbling.
“I was blown away,” she admits. “I always thought my community was small – just a handful of people who believed in what I do. But when this happened, I saw an army behind me. People fought for me when I couldn’t fight alone.”
Healing Through Colour, Connection, and Community
The studio’s heart beats strongest in its Splatter Room – a space where adults laugh like children, letting go of fear and perfectionism.
“People walk in afraid to be messy,” Carlee smiles, “and within minutes, they’re laughing, covered in paint, and rediscovering joy. That laughter gets me every time.”
But The Studio isn’t just about play – it’s about healing. From Addicts Having Coffee, a powerful podcast hosted by Toni Becker that found a home in Carlee’s space, to children overcoming emotional trauma through painting, the stories born within these walls are extraordinary.
Addicts Having Coffee, a powerful podcast hosted by Toni Becker
Eight-year-old art student Chelsea (name changed for privacy) joined The Studio during her parents’ divorce – a time filled with confusion and pain. Under Carlee’s gentle guidance, she found strength through art and even went on to win her school’s art competition two years in a row.
“Art became her escape,” shared Chelsea’s mom, Dr. Desrei Naidoo. “It gave her confidence, joy, and a place to belong. I have Carlee and The Studio to thank for that.”
Carlee’s compassion extends to every visitor, whether it’s a corporate professional seeking balance or someone in recovery rediscovering purpose. As Toni Becker describes it,
“Carlee’s studio is a real haven for healing. It’s calm, grounding, and alive with hope. Every guest who’s come here has felt safe and seen.”
Colouring the Future with Hope
Despite the hardship, Carlee continues to paint her story with resilience.
“I promised myself I’d never see the world as working against me,” she reflects. “Even when this happened, I chose to see it as a test of how deeply I wanted to live my purpose.”
She hopes that her journey – and the ongoing campaign – inspire others to take that first brave step toward healing or creativity.
“Healing doesn’t always start with big steps,” she says softly. “Sometimes, it starts with something simple – picking up a brush or trying something new. Creativity connects us, and connection saves lives.”
For Carlee, the dream remains the same: to keep The Studio’s doors open as a home for connection, colour, and creative courage. And thanks to her community – and strangers moved by her story – that dream is within reach once more.
Stand with Carlee
Carlee’s story is one of hope, resilience, and the power of art to unite people. Her journey reminds us that even in the darkest moments, creativity can be a light – and that communities thrive when they stand together.
Together, we can help keep the colours of hope alive – one brushstroke, one act of kindness, and one donation at a time, so Carlee’s vision of healing through art and community continues to thrive.
For as long as he can remember, sport has been more than just a game for Andrew Russell – it’s been a language of hope, connection, and opportunity. Today, as the director and co-founder of sport4kids, Andrew has dedicated nearly two decades to ensuring that children from underserved communities can experience that same joy and belonging that the power of sport brought into his own life.
Through sport4kids, a non-profit organisation he started in 2006 with David and Jenny MacGregor, Andrew is helping rewrite the stories of children who might otherwise have been left on the sidelines. Their mission is simple yet profound: to give every child a chance to play – regardless of their financial background.
From the Field to the Heart
Andrew’s love for sport began in his early school days.
“I played everything I could – cricket, rugby, you name it,” he recalls fondly.
After studying, he spent eight years teaching and coaching at a high school before venturing into sports tourism. In 2000, he founded Cape Africa Tours, bringing sports teams from around the world to South Africa.
It was during these tours that Andrew began noticing a heartbreaking reality.
“Many of the local kids had incredible talent but no access – no kit, no coaching, and often, no transport,” he says.
Visiting teams would sometimes leave behind their equipment, and Andrew would distribute it to local schools. But the need was far greater than a few extra cricket bats or soccer balls. That realisation sparked the birth of sport4kids.
Since its founding, the organisation has helped hundreds of children participate in sports by providing them with equipment, uniforms, and access to coaching.
“We’ve seen shy, uncertain kids transform into confident young athletes,” Andrew explains. “Sport teaches teamwork, resilience, and belief – lessons that last long after the final whistle.”
A Vehicle of Hope
One of the organisation’s proudest moments came in 2016 when Westminster Under School in London raised funds for a 14-seater Toyota Quantum – a vehicle that became the beating heart of the programme.
“That van has transported countless children to practices, matches, and tournaments they otherwise would have missed,” says Andrew. “Without it, hundreds of fixtures would simply not have happened.”
But sustaining this vital service has become increasingly difficult. Rising fuel costs, maintenance fees, and the need for more sports gear have stretched their resources thin.
“Right now, we’re in urgent need of support to keep the vehicle running and ensure no child misses their shot at playing,” he adds.
In June 2025, Andrew launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, aptly titled ‘The Power of Sport’, to raise R250,000 for kits, equipment, and vehicle maintenance. So far, 10 donors have contributed R5,783.50, but the journey ahead remains long.
Yet Andrew remains hopeful.
“Every small donation truly helps,” he says. “A cricket bat or soccer ball might seem small, but for a child who’s never owned one, it means the world.”
Sport as a Lifeline for Mental Health
Beyond the physical benefits, Andrew believes sport has the power to nurture mental well-being and community belonging – something especially vital for South African youth.
“Sport gives kids a purpose, a sense of identity,” he explains. “It keeps them off the streets, away from dangerous paths, and helps them believe they belong to something bigger than themselves.”
He recalls one story that has stayed with him over the years: a young boy named Nathan, who received a scholarship to attend Plumstead High School through sport4kids.
“Nathan was sport-crazy and full of potential,” says Andrew proudly. “Today, he’s involved in coaching and giving back to other young athletes – proof of how the ripple effect of opportunity can change lives.”
For Andrew, these moments make every challenge worth it. “When a parent comes up to you after a match, with tears in their eyes, thanking you for believing in their child – that’s when you realise this work matters,” he says.
The Future: Building Champions On and Off the Field
Looking ahead, Andrew envisions a thriving network of empowered children and communities who see sport not as a luxury, but as a right.
“In ten years, I hope sport4kids will be bigger, stronger, and reaching even more schools across South Africa,” he says. “I don’t ever want to see another talented child sit out simply because they couldn’t afford to play.”
He also expresses deep gratitude to those who have already supported the cause.
“We’re incredibly thankful to everyone who’s donated and cheered us on thus far,” he says. “You’re not just funding sport – you’re giving kids hope, structure, and a reason to dream.”
As Nelson Mandela once said, “Sport has the power to change the world.” For Andrew Russell and his team, those words aren’t just a quote – they’re a calling.
Keeping the Power of Sport Alive
For many children in Cape Town, sport4kids isn’t just about games – it’s about belonging, confidence, and healing. The organisation’s impact extends far beyond the playing field, fostering community, inclusion, and positive mental health.
Through his BackaBuddy campaign, Andrew hopes that more South Africans will recognise how even the smallest act of generosity can spark enormous change. “It doesn’t take a lot to make a difference,” he says. “Every bit counts – and together, we can keep the power of sport alive.”
Cape Mental Health, one of South Africa’s inspiring non-profit organisations, is once again lifting spirits and raising awareness with the return of its much-loved Cape Town International Kite Festival. Now in its 31st year, the festival will take place on 25 and 26 October 2025 at the Youngsfield Military Base in Ottery, bringing together families, artists, and mental health advocates under one sky.
This year’s theme, #CourageToFly, celebrates bravery — the courage to ask for help, to speak openly about mental health, and to keep going even when life feels heavy.
A Legacy of Care and Community
Founded in 1913, Cape Mental Health has spent more than a century ensuring that mental health care is accessible to everyone, regardless of background or income. Through its network of free, community-based services, the organisation provides counselling, education, and support to thousands of children and adults across the Western Cape.
For many, the Cape Town International Kite Festival is more than just a weekend event — it’s a symbol of hope and connection. Since its humble beginnings in Muizenberg in 1994, the festival has grown into Africa’s oldest and largest kiting event, drawing local and international flyers who come to share in the message of inclusion and resilience.
“Like a kite soaring against strong winds, people living with mental health conditions inspire us all to hold on, rise above, and find strength to persevere,” says Professor Dr. Ingrid Daniels, CEO of Cape Mental Health.
Colour, Courage and Connection
After years of smaller post-pandemic gatherings, the 2025 festival will once again unfold over two full days — a return that brings excitement to loyal supporters and newcomers alike. Families can look forward to dazzling kite displays, entertainment for all ages, kite-making workshops, food stalls, and an amusement zone for children.
Beyond the main event, Cape Mental Health will continue to host their annual Community Fly in Heideveld, and the EduKite Competition for schools, ensuring children of all abilities have the opportunity to participate.
“People have such warm memories of our past festivals,” says Daniels. “They’ve been asking when the full experience would return — and this year, we’re finally back.”
While the festival fills the sky with colour and creativity, its heart remains grounded in purpose. Every ticket sold and every kite flown helps fund Cape Mental Health’s free mental health programmes.
A Campaign That Changes Lives
In the lead-up to the event, Cape Mental Health has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, aiming to raise R50,000 to support its ongoing mental health services. Donations from the public will help provide therapy, counselling, and psychosocial support to vulnerable individuals across the Western Cape — many of whom face daily challenges without access to professional care.
“Every kite that flies is a message of courage,” says Daniels. “And every donation helps us continue the work that keeps people supported, understood, and hopeful.”
South Africa faces a growing mental health crisis, with an estimated 16.5% of the population living with a mental health condition. Stigma, lack of resources, and economic hardship mean that too many still suffer in silence. Cape Mental Health’s mission — through awareness, advocacy, and community programmes — is to change that.
Hope Takes Flight
The Cape Town International Kite Festival has become a space where people can come together to heal, connect, and celebrate resilience. Behind every colourful kite is a story of strength, and behind every donation is a step toward a healthier, more compassionate society.
This October, as kites fill the sky above Cape Town, they’ll carry a message that stretches far beyond the field: that courage can rise from struggle, and that together, we can lift one another higher.
The 31st Cape Town International Kite Festival is proof that hope doesn’t just float — it flies.
Tasneem Bhula (32) from Johannesburg, Gauteng, leads one of South Africa’s most remarkable sanctuaries for girls who have endured the unimaginable. As Executive Director of Guild Cottage, a specialist residential treatment centre in Parktown West, she and her dedicated team provide more than shelter. They offer safety, therapy, and the hope of healing.
Founded over a century ago, Guild Cottage has become a beacon of compassion and resilience, supporting sexually abused girls aged six to eighteen. It’s the only centre of its kind in South Africa, where each child receives psychological care, family therapy, education, and the chance to rediscover trust and purpose.
A Legacy of Care and Courage
Guild Cottage’s roots trace back to 1907, when the Guild of Loyal Women established it to care for orphans of the Anglo-Boer War. Over the decades, the home evolved to meet the changing needs of society. By the 1980s, as awareness of child sexual abuse grew, Guild Cottage became a specialised treatment centre, pioneering trauma recovery for young survivors.
“The girls who come to us have faced unimaginable pain,” says Tasneem, “Our mission is to show them that they are not defined by their trauma, that they can rebuild their lives.”
Through environmental therapy, individual and group counselling, and life-skills development, each girl learns to reclaim her confidence. The Cottage even has a vegetable garden, where tending to plants becomes an act of calm and renewal.
“Healing is not linear,” Tasneem adds, “but every step forward, every smile, every small success, is worth celebrating.”
Healing Hearts, One Day at a Time
A day at Guild Cottage is designed to feel like home. The girls wake up, share breakfast, attend school, and receive therapy sessions. Evenings are for homework, dinner, and quiet moments of reflection. On arrival, each girl receives a teddy bear, symbolising comfort and safety, a reminder that they are not alone.
Tasneem describes the process with warmth: “We tell them: it’s not your fault, and it never was. You are not alone. You are loved.”
And for those struggling with self-harm or suicidal thoughts, Guild Cottage provides intensive support and safety planning.
“Children who have suffered abuse often carry invisible scars,” Tasneem says. “But through community, therapy, and love, healing becomes possible.”
Stories of Strength and Second Chances
Amid the challenges, there are powerful stories of transformation. One young woman, admitted in 2018, passed her matric in 2024 with three distinctions and earned a nursing bursary at Mediclinic. Two others have recently been reunited with their grandparents, flourishing in their new lives.
These are victories born of consistency, compassion, and a trauma-informed approach.
“Every meal shared, every therapy session held, that’s what your donations make possible,” explains Dr. Francesca Maraschin, a board member and campaign creator who now works as a paediatrician in London.
Francesca joined the Guild Cottage board in 2019 and recently helped launch a crowdfunding campaign to help keep its doors open.
“In the wake of COVID-19, funding for social care has dwindled,” she says. “But the need has never been greater. Without ongoing community support, we risk losing a lifeline for hundreds of girls.”
The ‘Growing Givers’ Campaign: Building a Village of Hope
On 3 March 2025, Guild Cottage NPO launched its second crowdfunding campaign through BackaBuddy; Save Guild Cottage. The campaign follows a successful effort in 2024 that raised R20,817.84 from 28 donors. This year, with 81 generous contributors, over R79,000 has been raised toward a R100,000 goal.
Funds will cover essentials like food, school fees, therapy, and maintenance, as well as training for staff who deliver trauma-informed care to the girls and families. It costs roughly R250,000 per month to sustain operations, a formidable but vital expense.
Francesca explains: “Our goal is to create a movement of ‘growing givers’, people who give not once, but regularly, ensuring that Guild Cottage can thrive long-term. Every donation, no matter the size, helps us keep hope alive.”
If the campaign surpasses its goal, extra funds will support sustainability projects such as installing solar panels, reducing running costs, and keeping the home energy-secure.
Conclusion: The Power of Community Care
The story of Guild Cottage is one of faith in humanity, of strangers uniting to protect the most vulnerable. Donations, large or small, don’t just keep the lights on; they keep dreams alive.
As Tasneem reflects, “Every girl who walks through our doors deserves safety, dignity, and a future filled with possibility. Your kindness makes that future possible.”
When South African wellness practitioner Suré Tredoux first heard about the Sunshine Centre in Walvis Bay, Namibia, she was deeply moved. The stories of children living with disabilities, their laughter, courage, and will to thrive despite immense physical challenges touched something profound in her. Suré, a long-time advocate for holistic self – healing and the co – founder of several Body Stress Release (BSR) outreach programs across Africa, knew instantly that this was a community where hope could take root in extraordinary ways.
Above – Suré Tredoux
Now, through a pilot Body Stress Release outreach set to run from 26 October to 5 November 2025, Suré and her team of three BSR practitioners are bringing gentle, non-invasive care to children who have never had access to such support. The goal: to ease their daily pain, enhance their mobility, and help them rediscover the simple joys of childhood.
A Gentle Touch that Transforms Lives
Developed in South Africa in 1981 by Ewald and Gail Meggersee, Body Stress Release is a gentle hands-on technique designed to identify and release stored tension caused by physical, emotional, or chemical stress. By helping the body and brain reconnect, BSR promotes natural self – healing, reduces pain and spasms, and improves overall well-being.
“Every child deserves to feel ease in their body and joy in their spirit,” says Suré Tredoux, Chairperson of the Body Stress Release Foundation.
“At Sunshine Centre, we’ve met children who live with cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and developmental delays, conditions that make daily movement an ongoing struggle. BSR won’t cure these disabilities, but it can ease tension and bring comfort. That comfort can change everything.”
The pilot program will support 90 children, each receiving three sessions over ten days. Every R250 donation sponsors a single session, covering vital outreach expenses such as travel, accommodation, and hygiene materials. To date, R8,883.60 has been raised from 18 generous donors, bringing the campaign closer to its R50,000 goal.
For these children, each session could mean more restful sleep, less pain, and a chance to experience their world more freely.
Sunshine in Every Sense of the Word
Founded in 1996, the Sunshine Centre has long been a beacon of compassion in Walvis Bay’s Erongo region. What began in a social worker’s waiting room with five grandmothers and their grandchildren has blossomed into a vibrant community hub serving over 100 children and youth, as well as 18 adults with disabilities. Under the leadership of Ms. Wendy Huschfieldt and a dedicated team, the Centre offers education, therapy, meals, and transport and, most importantly, a place where every individual is celebrated for what they can do.
Suré describes the Centre as “a place that feels like sunshine – even on days when the Namibian coast is grey. You walk in, and you feel the love, the laughter, and the light that the children bring.”
Two of those children, Dimitri and Poppy, embody that spirit. Dimitri, who has spina bifida, faces daily physical strain but dreams of attending a mainstream school.
“With BSR,” Suré explains, “we hope to ease the tension in his body so he can move with more stability and comfort.” Poppy, a young athlete and singer, radiates joy wherever she goes.
“She’s an Olympic gold medallist in spirit,” Suré says fondly. “If we can help her body move more freely, her brilliance will shine even brighter.”
From One Visit to a Lasting Legacy
Though this is the first BSR outreach at Sunshine Centre, Suré and her team dream of making it a regular program. The long-term vision is to establish annual or bi-annual visits, train local practitioners, and eventually create a BSR bursary for someone in Walvis Bay inspired to continue this work.
“Even the smallest gift can bring real change,” Suré reminds supporters. “Your donation doesn’t just fund a project, it gives a child comfort, hope, and the chance to experience life with more ease.”
In the words of Sunshine Centre’s founding philosophy, Nothing for us without us, this collaboration represents more than therapy; it’s a partnership rooted in respect, inclusion, and shared humanity. Through passion, perseverance, and compassion, the team hopes to plant seeds of self – healing that will grow for years to come.
A Call to the Heart
As the first children in Walvis Bay prepare to experience Body Stress Release this October, the message from Suré and Gail Klinkert at the BSR Foundation is clear: every act of kindness counts. Whether through a once-off donation or a small monthly contribution, supporters are helping to rewrite what’s possible for these remarkable children.
Together, they are turning relief into resilience, and making sure the Sunshine Centre continues to live up to its name, one gentle touch at a time.
Inspired by Suré Tredoux’s uplifting mission to bring self – healing and hope to children with disabilities in Walvis Bay? You too can make a difference in your own community. Whether you’re raising funds for medical needs, education, disaster relief, sporting tours, funeral costs, or simply paying it forward to someone in need, BackaBuddy provides a trusted platform to share your story and rally support.
