Mossel Bay, South Africa – The strongman world is abuzz with excitement as South African father-son duo Shane Jensen (50) and his 15-year-old stepson, Shaun Boshoff, gear up to represent their country at the prestigious Official Strongman Games. Taking place in Madison, Wisconsin, from 5–8 December 2024, this dynamic pair is ready to compete against the world’s strongest athletes—carrying not only their immense physical strength but also the hopes and pride of South Africa. But they need your help to get there!
Shane, a seasoned strongman competitor, will participate in the Masters Over 50 division, while Shaun, already making waves in the strongman community, will compete in the Junior division (16–18 years). As one of the few father-son duos in the competition, their journey symbolizes the strength, resilience, and determination that South Africans are known for.
A Journey of Strength and Resilience
Shane Jensen’s path to strongman greatness is nothing short of remarkable. His career, which began in the late 90s, faced an unimaginable challenge in 2016 when he was severely injured in a shooting incident that left him with life-altering injuries. Doctors told him he would never lift heavy weights again. But Shane defied all odds, not only returning to competition but excelling on both national and international stages. He holds multiple titles and records, including Africa’s Apollon’s Axle Bar Deadlift record at an astounding 325kg.
Inspired by his stepfather’s perseverance, Shaun began his own strongman journey two years ago. At just 15 years old, Shaun is already a force to be reckoned with. He holds the SA Junior Deadlift record (235kg) and the SA Silver Dollar Deadlift record (340kg). His determination to follow in Shane’s footsteps has propelled him to become one of South Africa’s top junior athletes, and he’s ready to take on the world at the Official Strongman Games.
Support Their Journey to the World Stage
Although Shane and Shaun’s entry fees and flights have been covered, they still need to raise R60,000 to cover accommodation, travel within the U.S., meals, and unexpected expenses due to flight delays. To make this dream a reality, they have set up a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, where supporters from around the world can rally behind them. This platform allows anyone to contribute to their journey and help them achieve their dream of competing on the global stage.
By donating to their BackaBuddy campaign, you’ll be supporting not only two incredible athletes but also a powerful story of perseverance, grit, and the unbreakable bond between a father and son. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings them one step closer to proudly representing South Africa among the world’s strongest athletes.
How You Can Help
Visit their BackaBuddy campaign https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/two-generation-strongman-athletes-on-global-stage to make a donation.
Your support will help cover the final costs and ensure Shane and Shaun can focus on their training, knowing they have the backing of their community.
Follow Their Journey
Stay updated on Shane and Shaun’s preparations as they train to take on the world’s strongest. Follow their journey on social media:
– Shane Jensen: Instagram
– Shaun Boshoff: Instagram
Crafting an engaging campaign story, creating attention-grabbing social media posts, and reaching out to potential donors effectively via WhatsApp or email are key to the success of your BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign. If you’re new to using ChatGPT, don’t worry—this powerful tool can help you generate the content you need, provided you guide it with the right information.
ChatGPT is a versatile assistant that can help you write compelling campaign messages, craft social media posts, and even offer advice on promoting your campaign.
Here’s how to get started:
Visit the Platform: Head over to https://chat.openai.com to access ChatGPT. You can also download it from app stores on mobile devices.
Create an Account: If you don’t have an account yet, sign up for free. If you already have one, just log in.
Pick Your Plan ChatGPT offers a free version, but if you need advanced features or more power (like using GPT-4), you can upgrade to ChatGPT Plus
Start a Conversation: Click on the “Message ChatGPT” bar and type in your request or question. Here are a few examples of what you can ask:
“Write a clear and persuasive campaign message.”
“Create engaging social media posts to promote my campaign.”
“Give me advice or strategies for reaching more donors.”
You can use ChatGPT as your brainstorming partner, idea generator, and content helper to maximize your campaign’s success on BackaBuddy.
What is a Prompt?
A prompt is the message or question you give to ChatGPT to help it understand what you need. The clearer and more specific your prompt, the better the response will be. Think of ChatGPT as a friendly assistant—it needs you to explain what you want, and it will generate the text based on your request.
How Does ChatGPT Work?
ChatGPT works by generating responses based on the information you provide. Think of it as having a conversation with a helpful assistant that offers suggestions based on your requests. If the initial response doesn’t fit your needs, you can ask ChatGPT to regenerate a new response or refine it further by asking follow-up questions.
A helpful tip: talk to ChatGPT as you would to an assistant. Be clear and direct about what you need, and it will respond with useful ideas. The more specific you are, the more tailored and accurate the responses will be!
How to Prompt ChatGPT to Write Your Crowdfunding Story
Your campaign story is essential for inspiring people to support your cause. Here’s how you can prompt ChatGPT to write a great story for your BackaBuddy campaign.
Step 1: Gather Your Key Details
Before you start prompting ChatGPT, make sure you have the following details ready:
What are you raising funds for? (e.g., medical expenses, education, sports, community projects)
How much money do you need? (Be specific about the amount and how it will be used)
Who is the beneficiary? (Name, age, and why they need the funds)
Why does this person/cause need help? (Explain the situation that led to the crowdfunding)
What impact will donations have? (How will it change the beneficiary’s life?)
Is there a deadline? (Any time-sensitive events or dates, such as surgeries or school enrolments)
Step 2: Create Your Prompt for ChatGPT
Once you have your details, use them to create a clear and specific prompt. Here’s an example:
Example Prompt:
“Help me write a crowdfunding story to raise R50,000 for Sarah, a 6-year-old girl who needs heart surgery. Her family can’t afford the surgery, and the funds will cover her medical expenses and recovery. Make the tone emotional and heartfelt, and include a call to action asking people to donate and share the campaign.”
Step 3: Review, Regenerate, and Refine
Once ChatGPT provides a draft, read it over and see if it matches your needs. If you don’t like the response, you can ask ChatGPT to regenerate the response to get another version. This is a handy way to explore different writing styles or tones.
You can also ask ChatGPT to make specific changes by typing follow-up prompts, such as:
Next, you’ll need social media posts to promote your campaign. ChatGPT can help with that too—just prompt it with the details and format you need.
Step 1: Gather the Details
Make sure you have the following info ready for social media posts:
What’s the campaign for? (Medical bills, education, community project)
Who is it for? (Brief description of the beneficiary)
Fundraising goal (The amount you’re trying to raise)
(Encourage people to donate or share the post)
Step 2: Create a Prompt for ChatGPT
Here’s how to structure your prompt for different platforms:
– Facebook Prompt:
“Write a heartfelt Facebook post for a crowdfunding campaign to raise R30,000 for a local football team’s trip to a national tournament. Include a call to action asking people to donate and share.”
– Twitter Prompt:
“Write a short and engaging Twitter post asking people to donate R20,000 for Jake’s school fees. Include a call to action and a campaign link.”
Step 3: Review, Regenerate, and Adjust
If ChatGPT’s first response doesn’t feel quite right, ask it to regenerate the response to get a fresh take. You can also provide feedback to adjust the tone or format, like:
How to Prompt ChatGPT to Write WhatsApp and Email Messages
WhatsApp and email are great ways to ask for support directly from friends and family. Here’s how you can prompt ChatGPT to help you write these messages.
Step 1: Gather Your Key Details
Just like for the story and social media posts, you’ll need:
Reason for fundraising (Medical bills, education, etc.)
Fundraising target (The total amount you need)
How donations will help (What the funds will be used for)
Link to your campaign (Your BackaBuddy campaign link)
Step 2: Create a Prompt for ChatGPT
Use this example to prompt ChatGPT for WhatsApp or email messages:
Example Prompt:
“Help me write a WhatsApp message to ask my friends and family to donate to my BackaBuddy campaign to raise R40,000 for Sarah’s heart surgery. Include a call to action asking for donations and shares, and mention how their support will make a difference.”
Step 3: Review, Regenerate, and Customise
After ChatGPT provides the message, you can regenerate it or tweak it by asking ChatGPT to make it shorter, more direct, or more personal. You could say:
“Make this message shorter and more direct.”
“Can you make the call to action stronger?”
“Can you make the message more personal?”
Need Advice? Ask ChatGPT for Campaign Promotion Ideas, Strategies, and More
Aside from helping you write campaign messages and posts, ChatGPT can also give you advice and strategies to promote your crowdfunding campaign more effectively. You can ask ChatGPT a wide range of questions to support you through your campaign journey. Here are some examples of how you can use it:
Example Prompts for Campaign Advice:
“What are some creative ways to promote my crowdfunding campaign on social media?”
“Give me a strategy for reaching more donors for my medical crowdfunding campaign.”
“Can you suggest ideas for engaging videos to promote my crowdfunding campaign?”
“What are the best practices for writing an email to potential donors?”
ChatGPT can generate suggestions for social media strategies, video ideas, donor engagement, or even tips on how to improve your campaign’s visibility. You can ask for ideas, regenerate responses if you want more options, or follow up with additional questions to dive deeper.
Final Tips for Prompts:
Be Specific: Always include details like the fundraising goal, the reason for the campaign, and who the beneficiary is when creating your prompt.
Ask for Tone: If you want a specific tone (e.g., emotional, urgent, professional), be sure to mention that when prompting ChatGPT.
Regenerate Responses: If you don’t like the first response, you can regenerate it for a new version, or ask for specific tweaks to get exactly what you need.
By guiding ChatGPT with clear, detailed prompts, you can create strong crowdfunding stories, social media posts, direct outreach messages, and even get helpful advice and strategies to maximise your campaign’s success. Remember, you can always regenerate responses, refine them, and keep adjusting until you’re happy. Happy fundraising.
Belinde Schreuder, crowned Miss International South Africa 2024, is seeking the support of her fellow South Africans to represent the country on the global stage at the prestigious Miss International 2024 pageant in Tokyo, Japan. To cover the costs involved in this incredible journey, Belinde has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, with a goal of raising R150,000. The funds will cover travel, license fees, and a wardrobe for the 17-day competition, which includes evening gowns and a national costume.
Belinde’s mission goes far beyond the beauty pageant. She is a passionate advocate for youth development, wildlife conservation, and mental health awareness. Growing up in rural Limpopo, her connection with nature was nurtured from an early age, and protecting South Africa’s Big Five animals, particularly rhinos and elephants, is a key part of her platform. Belinde’s conservation work extends beyond wildlife, encompassing environmental initiatives such as tree planting and climate action.
In addition to her conservation efforts, Belinde is dedicated to empowering the next generation of South Africans. As the founder of B-Agency SA, she mentors young women, helping them build self-confidence and resilience. Through her work, she encourages girls to believe in their potential and pursue their dreams, emphasizing that their ambitions can create real change in the world.
Her advocacy for mental health is another central theme of her journey. With a degree in Psychology from the University of Johannesburg, Belinde uses her platform to raise awareness around mental health issues, believing that mental well-being is crucial to personal growth and success. Her goal is to show that true beauty lies in compassion, purpose, and the positive impact one can make.
Miss International, one of the “Big Four” beauty pageants, promotes cultural exchange and global goodwill, and Belinde is eager to represent South Africa in this prestigious competition. With over 70 countries competing, the pageant, taking place from 29 October to 12 November 2024, offers a unique opportunity for Belinde to showcase South Africa’s diversity, resilience, and vibrant culture.
Belinde’s journey is also about giving back. A portion of the funds raised through her BackaBuddy campaign will be donated to the Jacaranda Children’s Home in Pretoria, underscoring her commitment to supporting her community alongside her international endeavors.
With a career that includes walking the runway at the Macau Sky Tower 233 meters above ground, Belinde’s adventurous spirit and determination are qualities she hopes to inspire in others. She also created a youth-focused book series, *Eco-Heroes of Savannah Land*, to educate children about wildlife conservation and environmental challenges. Her advocacy extends to the #WasteStopsWithME campaign, where she encourages others to take responsibility for the environment.
As she prepares for the Miss International pageant, Belinde continues to train and work on her platform to bring about positive change. Her journey to Tokyo is about more than just winning a title—it’s about making a meaningful impact on a global scale.
To support Belinde Schreuder’s journey to Tokyo, make a donation via BackaBuddy here:
Homelessness in South Africa is a growing concern, impacting individuals and families across all provinces. At BackaBuddy, we understand the importance of providing resources and support to those in need. This guide offers insights on supporting loved ones who may be experiencing homelessness, how to communicate compassionately, and a comprehensive list of shelters across South Africa.
Understanding Stigmas and Causes of Homelessness
Addressing homelessness requires empathy and awareness of the many factors contributing to it. Unfortunately, some stigmas persist that can prevent effective support and understanding. Here’s what you need to know:
Common Causes
Economic Hardships: Job loss, low wages, or insufficient affordable housing are significant contributors.
Health Issues: Both physical and mental health challenges can affect a person’s ability to maintain employment or stable housing.
Family Disruption: Domestic violence, family conflict, or loss of a family member can lead individuals to homelessness.
Lack of Support Services: Without access to mental health care, job training, or rehabilitation services, many struggle to regain stability.
Common Stigmas
Laziness or Lack of Motivation: Many believe those experiencing homelessness are unwilling to work, overlooking systemic challenges they face.
Substance Abuse: Although addiction may contribute to homelessness for some, many affected individuals struggle with complex mental health and economic issues.
Criminal History: A past conviction can limit access to stable employment or housing, pushing some into homelessness.
How to Support a Loved One Experiencing Homelessness
Supporting someone facing homelessness can be challenging, but small, meaningful actions can make a big difference. What can you do?
Listen with Empathy Approach conversations with openness and empathy. Just being present can help them feel valued and less isolated.
Offer Practical Assistance
Provide essential items like a meal, warm clothing, hygiene products, or transport fare to meet immediate needs.
Support them through fundraising on platforms likeBackaBuddy, where crowdfunding campaigns can help secure essentials, temporary housing, or job training resources.
Encourage Steps Forward Offer hope by encouraging small, manageable steps toward stability, such as exploring job training or reaching out to shelters for transitional housing.
Communicating with Respect and Compassion
When speaking to someone who is experiencing homelessness, an empathetic, respectful approach can make all the difference. Here’s how:
Be Respectful: Address them as an equal, using their name if known.
Listen Actively: Let them share without interrupting or judging.
Ask Open-Ended Questions: Invite them to share what kind of support would be most helpful.
Offer Help, Not Solutions: Ask how you can assist instead of assuming what they need.
Respect Boundaries: Recognize their need for privacy and personal space.
Show Compassion: Sometimes just knowing someone cares can make a difference.
Legal Rights of Homeless Individuals
In South Africa, there are rights in place to protect and support those experiencing homelessness. Being aware of these can provide some relief:
Access to Shelter: Municipalities are encouraged to provide emergency shelter to those in need.
Right to Dignity and Privacy: The South African Constitution safeguards dignity and privacy for everyone, regardless of their living situation.
Access to Health and Social Services: Free healthcare and emergency housing assistance are available for those in crisis.
Immediate Resources for Those in Crisis
In times of crisis, knowing where to turn for help can be life-changing. If someone is experiencing homelessness or a crisis, here’s where they can get help:
Emergency Contacts
Police / Ambulance: 10111
National Gender-Based Violence Hotline: 0800 428 428
Suicide Crisis Line: 0800 567 567
Lifeline South Africa: 0861 322 322 (counseling services)
Mental Health Support
Lifeline SA: 0861 322 322 for crisis counseling.
SADAG: Free support groups and mental health resources: 0800 567 567.
At just 18 years old, Beandri Booysen has faced more challenges than most people do in a lifetime. She is one of only 150 children and young adults worldwide diagnosed with Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome, a rare genetic condition that causes children to age four to eight times faster than their peers.
Without treatment, children with Progeria die of heart disease at an average age of 14.5 years. Despite these odds, Beandri continues to inspire thousands with her vibrant personality and courage.
Now, however, she faces her biggest challenge yet: a severe heart condition that requires urgent open-heart surgery.
Pictured above: Beandri Booysen
Beandri, who lives in Doornpoort, Pretoria, is beloved by her 269.2K TikTok followers and whose videos have garnered over 372K likes. She has been diagnosed with aortic stenosis – a condition where her aortic valve is dangerously obstructed, limiting blood flow from her heart. To make matters worse, calcification in her aorta is adding further complications. Without immediate surgery, Beandri’s health is at serious risk.
Through all of this, Beandri remains steadfast and hopeful. “I’ve been living with Progeria since birth, and I am used to it. I’ve learned through the years to deal with the challenges that come over my path, from my shoulders dislocating to surgeries on my hips and eyes. I face everything God brings into my life,” she shares.
Her family, whom she credits with shaping her strength, has been a vital source of support. “My family supported me by raising me as a ‘normal’ child, not one that is different. This made me stronger and the person I am today,” Beandri explains. “I now understand why they did that—to help me face the haters and obstacles in my daily life.”
Pictured above: Beandri with her brothers. (From left is Herman 34, Ruben 26, and Jaco 35)
While the family’s medical aid covers part of the surgery, it is not enough to cover the full cost of the procedure, hospitalisation, or the essential aftercare Beandri will need. Her parents, Pieter and Bea, set up a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy to raise an estimated additional R150,000 to cover Beandri’s medical needs. To date, 48 generous donors have contributed to the BackaBuddy campaign. In addition, Caring Daisies, a Pretoria-based charity, has been incredible in helping the family, offering vital support and resources during this challenging time.
Beandri’s positivity shines brightly in her TikTok presence, where she continues to inspire and motivate her audience. “I post to motivate people and keep them positive,” she says. “My goal is to raise awareness about other special needs individuals and show that everyone is different and unique in their own way.”
As Beandri prepares for her heart surgery, scheduled for 10 October, with the procedure expected to start at 8am, she remains realistic yet hopeful. She will be admitted to the hospital on the afternoon of 9 October to prepare for the operation.
Pictured above: Beandri and her mother, Bea.
“Please don’t feel sorry for me, because I don’t feel sorry for myself,” Beandri says with her characteristic resilience. “I am very positive, but I can have my down moments too. I’m afraid of any surgery, but I know the Lord is always with me. Every surgery carries risks, but I have an amazing support team—God has placed incredible doctors in my life. All my other doctors have a real passion for their work.”
Despite her challenges, Beandri remains active and full of life. Her zest for life is evident in every video she shares, and her online community continues to rally around her with unwavering support.
Her gratitude toward those supporting her on this journey is clear: “My family, friends, and supporters from all over social media and the world—I appreciate every one of you.”
Her parents also express their deep gratitude: “Beandri’s courage and strength have always amazed us, but now we are calling on the kindness of others to help her during this critical time. We are deeply appreciative of every donation, no matter the size, as it brings us closer to getting her the care she desperately needs.”
Picture above: Beandri and her father, Pieter.
Any funds raised will go toward Beandri’s ongoing medical expenses, covering medical aid shortfalls, aftercare, medications, specialist visits, and everything necessary to ensure her comfort and well-being.
October is Mental Health Awareness Month globally, and for the past 30 years, the Cape Town International Kite Festival has played a pivotal role in helping people speak openly about their mental health without fear of stigma. As the flagship event of Cape Mental Health since 1994, the Kite Festival creates a space for artists, ambassadors, mental health care users, volunteers, and the public to share their stories of pain, healing, and recovery. Each conversation chips away at the stigma, fostering an environment of non-judgmental and supportive dialogue around mental health.
Photo by: Sulize Terreblanche
As Glenn Close once said, “What mental health needs is more sunlight, more candor, and more unashamed conversation.” The Cape Town International Kite Festival is exactly that – a celebration of openness and a call for everyone to engage in meaningful discussions around mental health.
The Need for Mental Health Support
Mental health issues are more common than many realize, and as the world faces ongoing economic, social, and personal challenges, mental well-being becomes increasingly important. Cape Mental Health aims to provide interventions that restore hope, build resilience, and empower individuals and communities.
This year’s theme, #HopeOnAString, is a powerful metaphor for resilience. Just as a kite rises higher despite the fragility of the string that holds it, so do individuals rise above life’s challenges. Each pull of the string reminds us of the inner strength and resilience within us all. The festival is more than a celebration of kites; it shines a light on those facing mental health challenges, underscoring the importance of early intervention and support.
Growing Awareness Over 30 Years
Since its inception, the Cape Town International Kite Festival has grown from a small one-day event to a global kite-flying phenomenon. The festival now hosts local, national, and international kiters, pop-up kite displays, community flies, EduKite Competitions, entertainment, kite-making workshops, and much more. The event has become a platform for mental health awareness, encouraging the inclusion of children, youth, and adults with mental disabilities.
With more young people speaking openly about their mental health challenges, the festival has shifted the narrative, empowering attendees to voice their needs and concerns while advocating for the protection of mental well-being.
Photo by: Sulize Terreblanche
Event Highlights
Pop-Up Fly Event: Held at Melkbosstrand Beach on Sunday, 27 October 2024, featuring professional kiters such as Mari and Bradley Ware-Lane, Bobby Gathoo, Brian Skinner, and others. Expect a few surprises from international kiters as well!
Community Fly: On 23 October, the annual Community Fly at Heideveld Sports Field on the Cape Flats will welcome children with intellectual disabilities from CMH’s Special Education & Care Centres, along with Grade R learners and preschools from the Heideveld community.
EduKite Competition: A kite-making and kite-decorating competition for primary schools, including children with special educational needs, offering monetary prizes for the winning teams. The prize-giving will be hosted at Curro Century City on 26 October, supporting mental health awareness.
Help Make a Difference: Support the Cape Mental Health BackaBuddy Campaign
Cape Mental Health has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, aiming to raise R250,000 in anticipation of the Cape Town International Kite Festival. So far, the campaign has raised R2,250, and with your help, they can reach their target.
Your donations will enable Cape Mental Health to continue its vital work, expanding mental health services to vulnerable children and adults in disadvantaged communities. Every contribution, whether R100 or R10,000, will make a significant impact in providing mental health support and building resilience in those who need it most.
As the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to place strain on non-profit organisations, Cape Mental Health remains resilient but depends on public and corporate donations to sustain its community-based mental health programmes.
By donating to the BackaBuddy campaign, you are helping to provide critical mental health interventions, offering hope and support to those in need. Every donation, no matter the size, is a step toward creating a brighter, healthier future for vulnerable individuals and families. All proceeds will go directly toward Cape Mental Health’s mission of providing free, accessible mental healthcare services.
Celebrities Rally Behind the Cause
Cape Mental Health has gained the support of several notable South African celebrities who are passionate about mental health advocacy:
These celebrities are lending their voices to raise awareness and encourage donations, helping Cape Mental Health reach its fundraising goal and continue the important work of breaking the stigma around mental health.
About the Cape Town International Kite Festival
Since 1994, Cape Mental Health has proudly hosted the Cape Town International Kite Festival, Africa’s oldest kiting event, dedicated to raising awareness and funds for mental health. This year’s festival marks the 30th anniversary of an event that brings together the joy of kiting with the importance of mental wellness.
For more information on the Cape Town International Kite Festival, visit www.capementalhealth.co.za/HopeOnAString and discover how you can participate, support, or donate to this remarkable cause.
