Greta Wilson, a dog lover and resident of Lakeside, Western Cape, has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy to raise funds for Funda Nenja, an organization that focuses on animals. Funda Nenja operates in Mpophomeni Township just outside Howick, Kwazulu Natal, providing dog school classes to children and their dogs, and veterinary treatment and sterilizations.
Greta’s fundraising target is R 20,000.00, and she has already raised R 2189.20 through her campaign. To further support the cause, Greta will be doing a swim at Silvermine Dam on Friday, May 12th, to honour the memory of her recently deceased friend, Cynthia. Cynthia had planned to be Greta’s cheerleader and distance verifier but passed away in March at the age of 73.
Greta’s swim will consist of 26 lengths, approximately 7.8 kilometers, and will take between 3 -4 hours, depending on weather conditions and water chop. To ensure the swim’s accuracy, Cynthia’s friend Shireen and Greta’s aunt Jo will verify that she swims 23 lengths, each estimated at 300 meters.
Greta’s crowdfunding campaign is managed by BackaBuddy, and all payments will go directly to Funda Nenja as the sole beneficiary. Lisa Button and Adi Olivier at Funda Nenja are aware of Greta’s fundraising swim and support her efforts.
“This is my birthday wish ahead of my 2 June birthday. I visited Funda Nenja in 2016 and believe in their incredible educational work so more dogs and dog guardians can upskill for an increased understanding of what their human wants from them as much as the human understanding of their dog’s needs.”
Funda Nenja not only runs dog training classes but also supplies kennels, vaccinations, deworming, tick and flea treatments, and sterilizations with the help of volunteers and their dedicated team of vets and social workers.
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 R400 Million.
Lisa Peché, a devoted mother from Fourways, Johannesburg, is seeking support to fund her daughter Madison’s trip to Malta for the International Invitational gymnastics competition.
Madison, a gifted young gymnast, has been training since she was five years old to fulfil her dream of competing on the world stage. She has already secured over 20 trophies and 46 medals in various local and national competitions, including the gold for beam in the SA national competition last year.
Pictured above: Madison Peché
Unfortunately, the Peché family is unable to cover all the expenses associated with Madison’s trip to Malta, including airfare, accommodation, banquet and entry fees, and the correct display outfits. To make this dream a reality, they have created a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, aiming to raise R50,000.
The competition will be held in early July 2023 and it is the 38th women’s and men’s international gymnastics competition. Madison is thrilled to participate and showcase her skills at this prestigious event. Lisa emphasizes that every donation counts and any contribution towards this campaign will be greatly appreciated. Since the campaign’s launch, almost R10000 has been raised from generous donations.
Pictured above: Madison Peché
Madison’s motto is “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams,” and her family is asking for support to help her achieve hers. With the help of the public, they hope to raise the funds needed to cover the expenses and support this talented young gymnast in achieving her goals.
“Madison is generally a quiet girl, but when she competes she becomes so confident and focused. Competing brings out the best in Madison. We truly hope she will be given the opportunity to shine in Malta” – says Lisa
Pictured above: Lisa and Madison
If you would like to help Madison reach her dream, you can support her campaign on BackaBuddy here:
This is a rare opportunity for Madison, and with your help, she can make it a reality.
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 R400 Million.
Taylea duToit, a resident of Sea Point, Cape Town, launched a crowdfunding campaign to help Siyabonga “Siya” Zimoshile (44) rebuild his informal home after it was demolished by the city of Cape Town. Within 24 hours, the campaign had exceeded its target, raising R45,000 with the support of 50 donors.
Siya is a security guard at Taylea’s building, where he goes above and beyond to ensure the safety of all residents. He also maintains the gardens on his off days to provide for his family, which includes his wife and four children, the youngest of whom is only five years old.
Siya’s heroism was recently put to the test when a fire broke out in the apartment building. Siya and his fellow guards and maintenance man worked tirelessly to evacuate the building’s 14 stories, which included many children and elderly residents. Siya bravely fought the blaze until the fire department arrived, preventing further damage to property and saving lives.
Noncedo, with the children she shares with Siyabonga
A home reduced to rubble and ruin
On May 2, Siya received a devastating phone call from his wife, Noncedo (38), to say that their informal settlement in Hout Bay, where they have lived for 20 years, had been destroyed.
Siya’s family home after it was destroyed
Siya’s family was left with nothing but the clothes they were wearing when their home, along with all their possessions and stored food, was destroyed. Adding to their struggles, Siya had invested a significant amount of money to expand their home, to accommodate his growing family, only to see it reduced to rubble and ruin. With the upcoming winter, the destruction of their home has left them in a dire situation, unsure of how they will manage to get through the cold months ahead.
Taylea reached out to the online community for support, and the response to her BackaBuddycampaign was truly heartwarming. The outpouring of generosity and kindness from strangers has given Siya and his family the hope and means to rebuild their home, and to take care of themselves during the difficult times ahead. Thanks to the incredible support of the online community, Siya can now focus on what really matters – his family’s well-being.
Siya with his only daughter, Ovayo.
Siya expressed his gratitude, saying, “I am overwhelmed by the support I have received from Taylea and everyone who has donated. I never expected this much kindness from strangers. This has given me hope for a better future for my family.”
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 R400 Million.
Sean Clarke (28), a multi-talented para-athlete from Craighall Park, Johannesburg, is an inspiring individual who overcame a severe injury at the age of 7 that resulted in the loss of use of his left leg.
Despite being classified as disabled, Sean’s determined spirit and passion for sports led him to refuse to let his injury hinder his aspirations.
In August 2022, Sean challenged himself to participate in the Comrades marathon, against the advice he was given, to fulfil a lifelong dream.
Pictured above: Sean Clarke running the Comrades (Image credit: Brandon Gould Photography)
After conquering the mammoth marathon, doctors encouraged Sean to find new avenues for physical activity, and to take on sports which would place less strain on his hips and knees.
Ever adaptable, Sean began to explore swimming and cycling as alternatives to running and did not let the setback discourage him.
Through his remarkable sporting pursuits, Sean happened to cross paths with James Willers, a 17-year-old boy from Randburg, who, due to neglect and severe burns, lost his right leg and subsequently contracted meningitis which resulted in the complete loss of his hearing.
Pictured above: Sean and James (pictured wearing his swimming medals), have a special friendship. (Image credit: Kaylin van Dyk)
Sean’s Epic challenge
Moved by James’ determination and perseverance, Sean has decided to take on a new challenge and is driving a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy,
Aiming to raise R200 000 to purchase a top-of-the-range prosthetic, and prosthetic liners, Sean hopes to alleviate the financial burden James’ adoptive parents are facing, and give James the opportunity to lead the fulfilling life he deserves.
“I am establishing an extreme aquabike/biathlon challenge in South Africa whereby I will be cycling solo from Johannesburg to Cape Town (1520 km) in 8 consecutive days, covering a distance of around 200km a day.”
“After a 24-hour recovery, I will then swim from Robben Island to Big Bay which is 7.5km as the crow flies. This will be done to not only bring about disability awareness and showcase how differently abled individuals can achieve exceptional feats but also to raise money for a very special individual.” – says Sean.
Sean’s upcoming challenge, which is set to begin on 6 October 2023, has already garnered support from around the world, raising R16 877.87, thanks to the generosity of 42 donors.
Pictured above: Sean Clarke training hard for his Robben Island/Big Bay swim. (Image credit: Kaylin van Dyk)
Sean says James embodies the type of individual we should all strive to be.
“He has a wealth of knowledge and experience that we can all learn from such as perseverance, resilience, adaptability and flexibility. Firstly, living with his disability can be challenging at times however, he has shown incredible perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity. He has constantly adapted to his environment to overcome obstacles. He has shown incredible flexibility and highlighted the importance of finding new and innovative solutions to his challenges. He has taught me to appreciate the diversity and richness of human experience and that a physical disability is just one aspect of a persons identity and that every individual has the ability to make meaningful contributions to this world.” – says Sean
Pictured above: Sean Clarke and James William Thusi WIllers. ( Image credit: Kaylin van Dyk)
Sean is on track to make a significant difference in James’ life, proving that disabilities should never be barriers to success.
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 R400 Million.
In 2016, Nika Du Toit (36), Acting Deputy Principal at Hope School in Westcliff, Johannesburg, met Katlego Legotlo (22), a charming student with a beaming smile, who had been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at only 6 months old.
Despite his challenges, Katlego was a dedicated student who achieved 3 distinctions in his matric year, which was during the first year of Covid. Nika says that Katlego’s gentle spirit and positive attitude had a profound impact on her life, and that his laughter lingered on when he eventually left the school.
“Katlego is a wonderful young man who has inspired me to live a better, more grateful life, since the moment I met him. He always smiles no matter how hard life gets. Who am I then to not smile and be grateful as well.” – says Nika
Nika and Katlego promised to stay in contact, and they bumped into each other at the Linden Market in early March 2023. Nika noticed that Katlego’s faithful manual wheelchair, which he used for years, was worn out and needed to be replaced.
Just before Katlego’s wheelchair broke, Nika launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy to surprise him with an electric wheelchair that would transform his life and give him the freedom of movement he deserved.
Thirty donors responded to the BackaBuddy plea, contributing over R54,000 to help purchase Katlego’s new chair. The outpouring of love and support was overwhelming, and Nika was grateful to everyone who contributed.
On Thursday, 13 April 2023, Nika had a surprise for Katlego. She came up with a ruse to get him to visit and told him to close his eyes. When he opened them, he saw the Quickie Q50 R, the electric wheelchair that would change his life forever.
Katlego was beaming with excitement, and his reaction, captured on video, showing his gratitude and joy is difficult to put into words.
“If there is anyone that deserves this, it’s this precious soul. A person who always smiles regardless of his setbacks, he brings joy to all around him. It warms my heart to help people and make their lives a little easier. I can’t thank the donors enough for their unbelievable generosity,” says Nika.
If any additional funds are raised, they will be used to purchase Katlego a specialized car seat.
Katlego’s story is a reminder that a little kindness can go a long way and that we can all make a difference in someone’s life.
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 R400 Million.
Pictured above: Marissa has been riding horses for the last 14-years.
Marissa Barnard (30), a stable manager from Donkerhoek, Pretoria, suffered a devastating kick to the face while lunging a horse at her workplace, The Burgh Equestrian Estate, on 30 November 2020.
The accident left her with serious injuries to her upper jaw, nose, and sinuses, causing her severe pain and difficulty breathing.
Pictured above: Marissa Barnard after the accident
Without medical aid, Marissa initially received emergency treatment at a state hospital, but was in desperate need of specialised treatment, as the shattered bones in her face have healed in the wrong position, causing chronic sinusitis and leaving her in constant agony.
Needing R50 000 to undergo a procedure at The Nose Clinic, which did not include any external cosmetic work, Marissa’s mom, Ansie Barnard, launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, appealing to the public to support her daughter.
Since the launch of the campaign, over R7000 has been raised with the support of 10 donors. The Burgh Equestrian Estate has also donated R30 000 to Marissa privately to assist her with her medical needs.
Marissa has undergone her operation although she still has outstanding hospital bills.
Pictured above: Marissa Barnard after the accident
Passionate about caring for horses, Marissa returned to work shortly after the accident, and has remained positive, despite her traumatic ordeal.
“This was a freak accident, with a loved competition horse. I don’t hold blame for the horse or the situation, even though the repercussions are still bad. Horses are still absolutely my passion, and seeing riders accomplish their best and overcome obstacles in life are what I am here for. I really hope to get this operation done so I can get back in the saddle and enjoy riding again.” – says Marissa
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 R400 Million.
