Nikhil Rathilall (13), a sharp and assured student from Muizenberg, Cape Town, has been selected by Crew For a Cause, a registered NPO and PBO focused on empowering disadvantaged students through education, for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend Bergvliet High.
Crew for a Cause is a growing community of like-minded South Africans, from all walks of life, who believe that small contributions from many can make a big difference in the lives of gifted scholars and help change their futures for the better.
Paying it forward, the members have made it their mission to fund the fees of several hard-working students, to lift families out of poverty, and provide a way out of desperate situations.
“Crew for a Cause was started with the idea that, through education, we can provide a child with the platform to better themselves and their communities and to do our part to change South Africa’s future for the better. Ultimately, we’d like to see them develop into role models and community leaders and go on to support their own families and friends.” – says Matthew Sterne, Director of Crew for a Cause
Nikhil, who is a top-achieving student with an aggregate of 80% for all his subjects, has a natural ability in mathematics and dreams of studying IT once he matriculates.
Support for a star student
As Nikhil’s mother works for an aircon company, and his father, who he admires greatly, runs a small operation making curries in their community, his parents don’t have the means to cover their son’s schooling fees at a private school, which would widen his opportunities.
Pictured above: Nikhil with his family.
“Nikhil’s resilience and his ability to always try his best, that’s what makes him stand out. His dreams and visions for the future are to make a difference in the lives of others. He hopes to see a country with equal access to opportunities and education one day.”- says Matthew
Stepping in to help change the life of this star student, Crew for a Cause has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, to cover Nikhil’s first year of high school at Bergvliet High, a school he has always dreamed of.
“We know that he will always try his best and make a success of every opportunity he receives. He’s looking forward to taking part in new experiences and opportunities at his high school in 2022. If Nikhil were to receive a scholarship, we envision him sharing his cheerfulness, laughter, and optimism with all he encounters in high school.” – says Matthew
Since the launch of the campaign, over R9000 has been raised towards Nikhil’s fundraising target of R45 000, which will cover his well-deserved scholarship.
“This scholarship will enable me to have many advantages that I may otherwise not have. I commit to working hard and giving my best at all times. Once again I would like to thank you for your generosity” – says Nikhil
Crew for a Cause began in January 2018 with the idea that small contributions from many can make a big difference.
“We pool the money of our monthly members to create bursaries for promising high school students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. To identify the students, we partner with education professionals who travel to a range of schools in underprivileged areas and test 12-year-olds in English, Maths, Natural Sciences, and grit. Grit is essential to ensure the students persist through the challenging times they may encounter during high school. We see this as a vital process in building a stronger society. In South Africa, education is a means of lifting people out of poverty and providing a way out of desperate situations.” – Says Matthew
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 R300 Million.
In 2018, 45-year-old, Sheehama Onesmus fell victim to a crime when his vehicle was stolen outside his house in Imizamo Yethu (Mandela Park) in Hout Bay.
Sheehama started Sky Transport just over four years ago, a small transport business that supports his partner, Sue Anne (31), his 2 daughters, Saskia (16), Ningeni (9) and his son, Tulonga (4).
After receiving a tip-off, his vehicle, which he uses for work, was eventually found in Gugulethu, but to his dismay, his vehicle was stripped, burnt to a crisp and then abandoned.
After receiving a tip-off, his vehicle, which Sheehama uses for work, was eventually found in Gugulethu stripped and burnt to a crisp.
Hoping to restore Sheehama’s livelihood and get him back on his feet, fellow Capetonian, Pierre De Wet (43), who ownsAnything Goes Furniture decided to do something special for his friend and transport provider.
“Sheehama is more than just the guy with a truck who moves furniture, he has become my friend and has really helped me grow my business. This week his livelihood was stripped from him when his truck was stolen, and with it went his business and means of looking after his family. ” – says De Wet
Sheehama Onesmus and Pierre De Wet outside Anything Goes Furniture in Cape Town.
Pierre launched a campaign on donations based crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy which raised over R56 000, thanks to the contributions from 54 generous donors.
This helped Sheehama purchase a new truck and he got to keep his business.
We caught up with Pierre De Wet who’d love to share his gratitude to the generous donors.
Not only is Sheehama’s business back, but it is rocking. I speak to him almost every single day to arrange collections or deliveries for my shop. I honestly don’t know what I would do without him!
“Thank you again to each and every one of you for what you did for Sheehama, and I’m so happy to report that thanks to you, he can continue to provide for his family and run a business that he is not only good at, but that he does with pride.” says Pierre
To further support, if anyone needs anything transported or collected in the Cape Town area please contact Sheehama – 0743808113.
Thank you to the 54 incredible donors who supported Sheehama in purchasing a new truck and helped him keep his business.
Joanie & Clyde Smith | WilliamReith | Chatz Charity | DanielleGair | O Donovan | Bobby Perel | Ruby’s Cottage | Schopman Marijke | Connock Mary | Damien de Gouveia| Chris Cheetham | Gillespie Shirley | The Warners | KellyPhelps | Bartlett Anon | Scheepers Anon | de Klerk Disco + fam | Mary Jakins | Holmes Ryan and Paula | De Ferry Luisa | Cheetham | Neumann Debbie | KarinNeill | Finnemore Lindsay | Raubenheimer Nate | Rainbow Dreams Trust | Fedder Linda | Teague Nicola | Alexander Desmond | Campbell John | Hall Trevor | Piet Du Preez | Lindley Stuart | Maierhofer Petra | Carmen Potgieter | Adler Warren | Tee Louise | Joshua Brown | Marais Chane | Belinda Louw | McCleland Jess | Schneider Katherine & Frank | Lizet Meyer | LisaGoosen | Deary L | Stumpf Rudi&Marise | William & Walter De Wet | Vicci Butler | Du Plessis Keith | Monja Conradie | Margit Roberts | Joan De Wet | Catherine Du Plooy
South Africa’s Good Things Guy, Brent Lindeque, from Johannesburg, has undergone a massive transformation in aid of Cancervive, shearing 40 centimetres of his trademark curly locks for a sleeker, shorter look.
“Along with the hair donation for Cancervive, and because it’s my birthday month, I want to extend the kindness movement,” says Brent Lindeque.
“I’ve done that by launching a BackaBuddycampaign for this organisation because I’ve personally lost friends and family to this tragic disease, as have so many others.”
Lindeque lost his aunt to cancer last year. This tragic event planted a seed in him to do some good to help make a difference for people facing the same battles. A little while later, a client asked him if he would ever cut his hair off for charity.
And so the idea was born to cut his hair off – that he had grown for three years – and raise much-needed funds in the process. Cancervive describes itself as dynamic cancer awareness and education project.
Pictured above: Looking Good, Brent!
According to its website: ‘We are a survivor-driven cancer awareness and education project that communicates to audiences with means beyond words. Through performing arts, music, poetry, dance and storytelling, we can reach people of all backgrounds, regardless of language.
Because of this, the Cancervive project has been hailed as one of the world’s most dynamic cancer awareness campaigns.
“Raising cancer awareness is a year-round drive, but I think it’s especially prudent to launch this campaign now in January, which is typically a tough month for so many,” says Brent.
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.
As we mourn the loss of beloved Hollywood icon, Betty White, who sadly died of a stroke on the 31 December 2021, three weeks shy of her 100th birthday, fans like Melanie Van Rensburg (39), from Johannesburg, South Africa, are choosing to pay tribute to the ‘golden girl’ by supporting animal welfare groups around the world.
Proud dog mom, Mel, who rescued her dogs Stella and Kahn from Ark animal Rehabilitation Center, which has since closed down due to the impact of the pandemic, says there is no better way to honour the long-lived star, who “filled lounges with love and laughter for decades, and put animal advocacy top of her priority list”
“From funding research on pain management that revolutionised the way elective surgeries are performed today, speaking out against animal abuse, encouraging fans to adopt mixed-breed dogs, destigmatizing ‘unfavourable’ dog breeds, to simply offering dog training tips, Betty always used her voice (and her wealth) to stand up for our furry friends” – says Melanie
Melanie and her pup, Kahn.
Starting on Betty’s birthday, the 17th of January 2021, Mel is encouraging dog lovers from all walks of life, to make small, meaningful donations of R100 ($6.5), to her crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, that will support Woodrock Animal Rescue in Gauteng.
The pro-life, rescue, rehabilitation and re-homing shelter “provides assistance to homeless, abused, neglected, stray, injured, ill, geriatric and unwanted animals that would otherwise have miserable lives and premature deaths; animals who have no voice of their own.” according to their website.
By Raising R10 000 ($650), Melanie hopes the animal rescue organisation, will be able to sterilise as many pups as possible, echoing Betty’s sentiment:
“I’m a big spay-and-neuter supporter. Don’t have babies if you’re not going to take care of those babies. We don’t need more. We just need to take care of the ones we have. Take responsibility and breathe kindness.” – Betty White
Donate to Melanie’s #BettyWhiteChallenge on BackaBuddy:
Betty’s love for “anything with a leg on each corner” started during the Depression when her family took care of more than 15 dogs. Continuing the family tradition, White is said to have owned 26 dogs in her lifetime.
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.
Steve Lewis (62), a semi-retired professional Engineer from Pretoria, South Africa, has his heart set on building a home for his gardener of over 25 years, Abel Shabangu (53), who is a dear friend of the family.
Despite his diligent work ethic, Abel has only managed to build a simple tin shack with access to water, sewage, and electricity, for his wife and 3 children on the small property he owns in Soshanguve, due to limited financial resources.
The home Abel built for his family in Soshanguve, Gauteng.
A house to make a home
18 months ago, Abel asked Steve for his help, to design and help build a comfortable home for his family, and Steve gladly accepted.
“For as long as I can remember, Abel has had a dream to give his family a home they can be proud of and stay safe in. He is a hardworking, honest, upstanding family man that does everything he can to raise his family in the best way possible,” says Steve
Abel and his family.
Having secured R100 000 ($6500) of his own funds to make the family’s dream a reality, Steve enthusiastically started drawing up the plans.
To help cover the shortfall of R45,000 ($2800) needed to build a small, 3 bedroom brick house, Steve launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, which has already raised R33 000 ($2100), thanks to generous donations from donors both locally and abroad.
With experience in managing building projects, Steve will oversee the building project free of charge, and has already found a reliable builder who lives close to Abel.
Funds raised by the campaign will soley be used to cover the cost of the builder and his materials. Any additional funds will be used to furnish the home and improve on the simple finishings that are currently planned for the house.
Thank you to the 22 incredible donors who are supporting Steve in building Abel and his family’s home.
Thanks so much for your donation. We are making good progress towards our target. Your generosity has made all the difference. We are also investigating if Abel can get a government subsidy on the building of the house. With all this goodwill the dream will definitely come true.– says Steve
Update
Thank you to all those who have contributed to this project to build Abel a house. We managed to get sufficient funds to start the project this month. We built the foundations last week and we have started with the walls this week.
We have enough money for the basic house and the electrical services.
However, there will not be enough for plumbing and the ceiling. If you are interested in helping further. The basic plumbing will cost about R17 000 and the ceiling will cost about R6 000.
Any donations would be very welcome.
Support Abel’s campaign by donating on BackaBuddy:
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.
Pictured above: A Cape Town family was involved in a serious car accident in Johannesburg
On the 28th of December 2021, Gerhard van Niekerk (29), his fiancé Madelein van Zyl (27), and their two sons, Gregory (4) and Luke (8 weeks), were involved in a devastating car accident while on holiday in Johannesburg over the festive season.
Driving on the N12 at about 5:30 pm, the family was allegedly hit by another motorist on the rear left side of their Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Moments later, Gerhard lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a hill.
Pictured above: A devastating car crash has changed this family’s life forever
While Gerhard and Gregory suffered minor injuries from the crash, Madelein suffered multiple serious injuries, as most of the impact was on the passenger side, where she was sitting.
Doctors initially reported injuries to Madelein’s leg, shoulder, nose, cheekbone, and ribs – after further scans and x-rays the doctors concluded that she had broken her elbow, ankle and her C2 and C3 neck vertebrae as well.
Tragically, baby Luke was declared brain dead and lost his life at 11pm that evening, leaving a sizable void in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Pictured above: 8 week old baby Luke was declared brain dead after the accident and later passed away
Helping the family heal
As the family fights bravely through their hurt and heartache, Bianca Weygandt (31) a family friend, has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, to support the van Niekerk’s with their mounting medical bills, as they don’t have medical aid.
Since leaving ICU, Madelein’s elbow has been operated on, and a procedure on her ankle might need to be performed.
As the injury to her neck is known as a ‘stable break’, fortunately, no operation is required. Her nose, cheekbone, and ribs will also heal with time, doctors say.
Pictured above: Before the accident: Madelein, Gerhard and their son Gregory
Since the launch of the campaign, over R43 000 has been raised on BackaBuddy to support the family through this difficult time, with contributions from 107 donors both locally and abroad.
Additional funds raised will be used to cover the costs of Luke’s funeral, and the physical, emotional, and psychological treatment they will need to heal from their life-changing ordeal.
“We as a family would like to thank each and every person for their prayers, support, donations, and sharing our story! I would like to urge everyone, spend time with your loved ones, tell them you love them – time is precious – it cannot be replaced and memories are all we have in the end. I had a very special bond with my boy, Luke, in the short time God lent him to us, we loved him so much! We will miss him – every day. Also, drive safely and be alert on the roads – our life was changed in an instant” – says Gerhard.
Support Gerhard & Madelein by making a donation on BackaBuddy:
“We arrived back in Gordon’s Bay on the 14th of January 2022, Luke has been cremated and his ashes are now with us, as soon as we are ready we will arrange a memorial service for our precious baby boy.
Madelein must still have the operation done on her ankle and we had an appointment on 27th of January to see the doctors at Helderberg Hospital, we had some good news which brings us a lot of relief, Madelein might not need an operation on her ankle, the doctors are happy with how the bones are mending.
But, we do not have medical aid and the costs thus far have been adding up, the BackaBuddy campaign will go a long way to helping us cover the medical costs in Gauteng and all other revolving costs such as physiotherapy for Madelein and as a family we feel it best if we see a psychologist to help us emotionally process what has happened.
The costs thus far for the admittance to Netcare, one night’s stay in the ICU at Netcare, X-Rays and CT scans for both Madelein and Luke amount to about R62 000, this does not include the specialists and doctors that saw us or the operation done on Madelein’s arm at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital.
At this stage it is hard to give an exact amount because we are waiting on invoices from the doctors, specialists and hospitals but we estimate the total cost to be around R150 000. Madelein’s other injuries are recovering very well and under the circumstances we are doing okay.” – says Gerhard
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.
