In the early hours of February 6, 2023, Turkey and Syria were rocked by a powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake, followed by a 7.5 magnitude tremor. The devastating quakes resulted in thousands of casualties and widespread damage.
As search and rescue efforts are hampered by harsh weather conditions, the Gift of the Givers has taken action to help the affected communities.
The organisation has evacuated children from their Bayt Kareem Child Care Centre in Gaziantep, Turkey, and prepared its medical teams in Darkoush, Syria to treat incoming casualties. The death toll continues to rise, with over 4300 fatalities reported so far.
The Gift of the Givers has been contacted by the Turkish Ambassador to South Africa and the Consul General in Cape Town, as well as the SA Ambassador to Turkey, Dipou Letsatsi-Duba, to provide assistance.
Image: Gift of the Givers (Facebook)
In response, they have launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy to purchase essential aid, including medical supplies, equipment, food, and more. They are also expanding their volunteer medical and search and rescue teams, ready to assist in any way they can.
To support the affected communities and the Gift of the Givers’ efforts, you can donate to the initiative 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 risen over R380 Million.
Ryan “Choppy” Pike, a 29-year-old model from Hout Bay, Cape Town, is on a mission to make a difference in the lives of animals in need.
Through the launch of crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, Ryan hopes to benefit the Mdzananda Animal Clinic in Khayelitsha, an animal advocacy organisation that he has recently connected with.
Pictured above: Ryan with his pup, Mila.
The challenge
On 16 February 2023, Choppy, who is an animal lover at heart, will be pushing his limits to the extreme by running the Tankwa Crossing, a 207 km Ultra Marathon from Calvinia to Ceres, to raise funds for the Mdzananda Animal Clinic.
The race, which takes place during one of the hottest months of the year with temperatures reaching a scorching 50 degrees Celsius, is a gruelling single stage race with a cut off time of 50 hours. Choppy will have to face the harsh conditions, pushing his body to the limit, all for the love and care of animals in need.
“I grew up with many different cats and dogs around in the house and they’ve always been a huge part of my life. I feel like animals are capable of turning a house into a home, they’re furry best friends who are always excited to see you,” says Choppy. “That’s why I can’t stand the thought of animals suffering and not receiving the care they need. That’s why I am doing this, for them. For the animals that can’t speak for themselves, I want to be their voice.” – says Ryan
Pictured above: Ryan with his pup, Mila
The campaign, which has already raised over R45,000 towards his fundraising target of R100,000, will benefit the Mdzananda Animal Clinic, which is currently running over the carrying capacity of their facilities.
Funds raised will contribute towards a new inverter to protect the organisation’s digital x-ray machine from potential damage due to load shedding and power cuts South Africa is currently facing.
Pictured above: Mdzananda Animal Clinic outreach
“I’m sure every South African can relate to the frustrations of having to deal with load shedding, which is bad enough. However, fear of losing a pivotal piece of equipment used to help the animals in your care tends to elevate the stress levels by a couple of notches. Hence the push to raise funds and buy the clinic some insurance in the form of a new inverter,” says Choppy.
Choppy has been blown away by the tremendous amount of support he’s received since the launch of his campaign.
Pictured above: A dog is dipped to combat external parasites such as ticks and fleas while a young boy from the community watches. Mdzananda Animal Clinic outreach
“Thank you so much to all those who have shown support through messages, follows or opening their wallets for the cause. It’s crazy how motivating it is for me to see a community starting to build and people so ready to help where help is needed. Together we can make a real difference in the lives of these animals.” – says Ryan
Choppy’s selfless efforts in running this gruelling race in the scorching heat to raise funds for the animals in need, is truly admirable. He is truly going above and beyond to make a difference, and his passion and dedication is truly inspiring.
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 R380 Million.
Jasmijn Duvenhage, a little one-year-old girl from Die Wilgers, Pretoria, was diagnosed with temporal lobe epilepsy at only 4 months old, after several tests, including an EEG test that measures electrical activity in the brain.
Jasmijn has a rare genetic condition that causes difficulty to control, severe epilepsy, slow development, and low muscle tone.
After starting therapy for temporal lobe epilepsy, Jasmijn’s condition unfortunately worsened, and she was diagnosed with West syndrome, for which she had received a prolonged course of extremely expensive steroid therapy.
This was not covered by the family’s medical aid in 2021.
“By Jesus’ Mercy and Grace, she came out of West syndrome, a miracle that very few children live to tell about. Unfortunately, Jasmijn developed several forms of horrifying epilepsy ranging from mild episodes to absolutely life-threatening episodes. This happened several times a day.”
Nadia, Jasmijn’s mom, has not been able to trust Jasmijn’s care into the hands of another healthcare provider yet, as Jasmijn has an extremely complex medication and feeding regime, including the ketogenic diet, which can be 100% life-threatening if administered incorrectly.
Nadia thus forms part of Jasmijn’s therapeutic team and had to stop working in order to be available for her daughter’s care. This places additional financial strain on the family.
To date, Jasmijn has feeble muscle tone, she cannot sit up, turn over, or crawl. She also has trouble moving her head, which necessitates 24-hour monitoring as she also has trouble swallowing her secretions, which has led to several choking episodes with aspiration pneumonia and lung collapses, requiring non-invasive ventilation and admission to paediatric ICU.
This is all even despite the family’s best attempts to manage and prevent these episodes with physiotherapy and suctioning at home. With her severe developmental delays, she doesn’t yet smile and does not always react to people around her.
To give Jasmijn the best care, her family has spent their entire savings and exhausted their medical aid to cover the costs of her medication and purchases such as a wheelchair, bathing equipment, anti-epileptic drugs, rehab sessions, hypoallergenic baby formula and now the ketogenic diet, as well as a special needs car seat.
The parents are praying that with the Lord’s continual Mercy and Grace, as well as the right therapy, Jasmijn will still have a chance at a normal life.
Uncontrolled epilepsy remains the problem: every time she has a seizure, it may damage her brain and delay her development further. She is currently on 5 anti-epileptic drugs (amongst others) but her epilepsy is still not under control. The family is doing everything they can to ensure the best possible outcome for Jasmijn.
In need of urgent financial assistance to help Jasmijn with her medical condition, the Duvenhage family have launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy to appeal to the public for much-needed support.
Since June 2022, Jasmijn has also been in and out of several paediatric ICUs, battling various infections, due to her poor immune system. This brave little girl even had to spend Christmas 2022 and new year 2023 in the paediatric ICU.
The parents and doctors are hoping to get her home soon though. Currently, she is receiving 24-hour continuous feeds and will have to be managed on non-invasive ventilation at home until her muscle tone improves enough for her to breathe well on her own.
To date, approximately R111 000 has been raised from 47 incredible donors, towards their fundraising target of R250 000
“We are doing everything we can do to make sure that Jasmijn gets the correct medical care. All contributions towards our BackaBuddy campaign will be used to ensure that Jasmijn receives the best therapy. “
Please help give Jasmijn a better fighting chance to live a more victorious life with her loved ones.
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 R380 Million.
Pictured above: Elijah Cottle at a surprise visit at Waterfront Helicopter Tours. Elijah loves Cars, Planes, Trains, Helicopters, Boats, and basically all modes of transportation.
Elijah Cottle, a 3-year-old boy from Hout Bay, Cape Town, South Africa, was diagnosed with Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM), a rare and serious polio-like condition that left him paralyzed from the waist down.
Despite the devastating news, Elijah remained positive and cheerful as he fought for his life in the ICU at Christiaan Barnard Hospital in Cape Town. After several months of intense treatment and recovery, Elijah was finally discharged from the hospital in September 2022. His family was overjoyed to have him home, but they knew that the road to recovery would be long and costly.
Pictured above: Elijah Cottle at Christiaan Barnard Hospital in Cape Town on 19th August 2022, after his Tracheostomy operation
Elijah dreams of walking again
Currently, Elijah’s rehabilitation schedule is intense, with 4-day sessions every week consisting of physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, and hydrotherapy. He also has a caregiver to assist with his needs and transportation to and from therapies. Despite the challenges, Elijah remains determined to recover and regain his mobility.
“Elijah has shown his resilience, strength and bravery throughout this experience. Our gift from God, who loved to run, jump and once believed he could do anything, has been stripped of this and will now learn to adjust to his new quality of life from a wheelchair. We are all learning about the boundless courage it takes to fuel his path to recovery. “ – says Courtney.
Pictured above: Elijah Cottle lives with his family in Hout Bay.
With Elijah’s condition showing little improvement, his family began researching other options overseas. They learned of a procedure called a Nerve Transfer Surgery that has been performed successfully on a boy with similar symptoms in the United States and could be Elijah’s best chance at walking again.
However, the family faces significant financial obstacles to get Elijah to the United States for a procedure that their medical aid will not cover. They have launched a crowdfunding campaign with a goal of raising R500,000.
Pictured above: Isaiah Cottle (Elijah’s Brother), Courtney Matthei (Elijah’s Mom). Dino Cottle (Elijah’s Dad) and Elijah Cottle
The outpouring of support from the community has been overwhelming. Friends, family, and even strangers have donated to the campaign, raising over R260 000 for Elijah’s much-needed treatment.
The Cottle family remain hopeful and grateful for the support they have received thus far. The family is asking for continued support and donations to help Elijah on his journey to recovery and raise awareness about AFM. Despite the challenges they are facing, they remain determined to give Elijah the best chance to walk again.
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 R380 Million.
Faahkir Bestman (19) was always destined for greatness. From the moment he first stepped onto a dance floor, it was clear to all who saw him that he had something special.
Dubbed Hanover Park’s Billy Elliot, the young Capetonian caught the eye of Abeedah Medell of the famed Eoan Group when he was just eight years old.
Believing in his talents, Abeedah gave Faahkir the formative training he needed and encouraged him to dream beyond his reality.
With each step, Faahkir grew stronger and more determined to dance on the big stages of the world.
At just twelve years old, he won the inaugural Christopher Kindo scholarship, allowing him to attend the National School of the Arts in Johannesburg. In Grade 9, Intocast SA selected him for their bursary programme which covered all his expenses through high school.
Before his final matric exams, Faahkir was awarded the opportunity of a lifetime: a scholarship to attend the prestigious Joffrey Ballet School in New York. But he needs help to ensure that he can sustain himself when he is there and be ready for all eventualities.
The Johannesburg Youth Ballet (JYB) has taken up the cause and is driving and managing a fundraising campaign on BackaBuddy, to ensure that Faahkir has everything he needs for his time at the Joffrey Ballet.
Pictured above: FAAHKIR BESTMAN in the NSA’s DANCE SPECTRUM (Photo Credit : Lauge Sorensen)
Since the launch of the campaign, more than R90 000 has been raised with kind contributions from 81 donors, towards his fundraising target of R150 000, which will comfortably secure Faahkir’s needs for the year.
Funds raised will cover Faahkir’svisa and passport costs, his return flights to New York, his medical insurance, clothing and dance gear, bedding and cooking utensils for his residence, as well as a small amount of pocket money for his stay.
Pictured above: Faahkir Bestman
Faahkir has dedicated his entire life to his craft and has worked hard to achieve success he has. With help from the public, Faahkir will be able to take the next step in his journey, and dance on the world’s stage.
“There are many talented young dancers who want to make a career out of dance, but it is perhaps once or twice in a lifetime that someone with Faahkir’s talent, commitment, passion, and focus to achieve despite adversity crosses your path. I feel honoured and privileged to have worked with Faahkir on his dance journey. I have seen his growth as an artist in all genres of dance. He is eager to learn, takes and applies corrections, and is passionate about everything he does. He is a bright and humble young man, with incredible stage presence, that I know is destined for greatness.” – says Mark Hawkins (Artistic Director of the Johannesburg Youth Ballet)
All additional funds raised by the campaignwill be used to establish “The Bestman Bursary” to assist other young dancers waiting in the wings to dance their dream!
The Youth Ballet is a registered NPC with public benefit status, meaning that all donations will receive a Section 18 A certificate for tax purposes.
Together, we can fly Faahkir to the Joffrey Ballet in New York, where he will have the chance to reach his full potential and achieve his dreams. Let’s make it happen for this talented and soulful young man!
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 R380 Million.
When people come together, amazing things can happen.
Take a look at a few campaigns that have been highlighted on the Backabuddy Impact Village as well as in media publications across South Africa this week.
Featured Campaigns
Read our latest blog posts featured on the BackaBuddy impact village this week.
In memory of her beloved mother who passed away in November, Briony Chisholm is undertaking a unique initiative to cope with grief. To celebrate what would have been her mother’s 80th birthday on February 11, 2024, Briony has committed to “arm-running” 80 km, utilizing discovered arm movements as steps, despite being quadriplegic since a car accident in 1996.
This initiative seeks to raise funds for the UWC Fairy Godmother, supporting students at UWC facing financial challenges. The initiative resonates with her mother’s belief in the transformative power of education. Donations contribute directly to the UWC Fairy Godmother, aiding determined South African students pursuing education under difficult circumstances. Updates on the progress, measured in steps and kilometers, will be shared to engage supporters.
Quintus Serton, a beloved father, is fighting for his life after a brutal attack on December 9th. Currently in Milpark Hospital’s trauma unit, he faces extensive injuries and mounting medical bills exceeding R450,000 due to a lack of medical cover. Despite slow but steady progress, Quintus needs further procedures and therapy for his long road to recovery. Financial support is urgently needed, and every donation will directly contribute to covering his ongoing treatment expenses. A call for generosity and kindness has been made to aid Quintus in his recovery. Your support can make a significant difference in this difficult time.
Surfing legend Ian Armstrong, a former World Big Wave Champ and influential figure in the surfing community, recently lost his shaping room and livelihood in a devastating wildfire in Cape Town. The fire destroyed his tools, shaped boards, and the structure itself. Shaping is not only Ian’s passion but also his family’s main income source. A fundraising initiative has been launched on BackaBuddy to raise approximately R150 000 to help Ian rebuild his shaping room. Contributions from the community will support him in getting back to shaping boards. Ian’s work on his website at https://armstrongsurfboards.co.za/. Your support is greatly appreciated.
After suffering severe injury to his neck while playing in a rugby tournament in September last year, which initially left him paralysed, four months later an avid rugby player, Anzil Williams (16) from Humansdorp, is looking forward to continuing positive results in his recovery, and celebrating all the excitement of being in matric.
Do you need to raise funds for a personal need such as medical, education, or for a cause or charity?If so, you’re in the right place. 30 000+ people just like you have successfully raised funds on BackaBuddy.
300 000+ donors have supported over 30 000+ heroes like you through their medical treatment, and education or have rewarded a gesture of kindness by paying it forward on BackaBuddy.
We thank our generous donors and hardworking campaign creators everyday for making the world a better place. We are the shoulders on which heroes stand.
