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.
Sandton – Kim Cawdry (30), who has Cerebral palsy and works as a private tutor for children with disabilities and learning difficulties, has been given an amazing opportunity to emigrate to Queensland, Australia in 2022.
But before Kim gets ready to pack her bags and join her partner, who has already gone over, there is another handsome fellow she can’t leave behind, her 2-year-old Boston Terrier, Harvey.
In 2019, after suffering a sexual assault, Kim decided to get a puppy to help comfort her through her ordeal. The pair turned out to be a perfect match and have been inseparable ever since.
“Harvey is a very playful pup. He is incredibly social, and suffers from FOMO if left alone too long. He is the most loving creature I know. He’s always giving hugs and kisses, and bundles of love when I’m feeling down, in pain and need him the most” – says Kim
‘I can’t leave him behind’
When Kim was presented with the opportunity to relocate overseas, she made a promise to her pup that she would do whatever it takes to bring him with her.
Working diligently through the pandemic, Kim saved every extra penny after her medical and living expenses and managed to save over R20 000 towards Harvey’s trip.
Needing an additional R25 000, to cover the cost of Harvey’s boarding in South Africa, his flight, and his 10-day quarantine, Kim launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, hoping pet lovers would understand her predicament and lend their support.
“I cannot fathom leaving Harvey behind. It is just not an option. He is the reason I get up in the morning. He has always, literally been by my side, protecting me, sounding the alarm for possible intruders. He is a huge comfort to me at night , when I can’t sleep due to pain/and or trauma. I focus on his breathing, his little body next to me and it is my grounding process. He knows to walk at a slow and steady pace with me, and helps me keep up my cardio exercise. When I make him dinner, I make myself dinner, and when things get hard I can suffer from depression, so by remembering to look after him , I take care of myself.” – says Kim
Harvey’s campaign takes flight
With donations from friends and their ‘fur kids’, Harvey’s campaign is already taking flight.
Stevie, a Boston terrier from Edenvale donated the cost of a box of biscuits to support Harvey’s voyage. Showing that goodwill can exist between cats and dogs, Ripley, Percy and Kintsugi from Randburg, also chipped in their catnip allowance to see Harvey on his way.
To prepare for his stressful journey, Harvey is cutting down on treats, getting his exercise in, and waiting for the all-clear from his doctor, before he can bark “hello mate”.
“We would be forever grateful for some holiday cheer! We would be so very happy to be reunited in our new home, on our new adventure.” – Is what Harvey would say, reckons Kim.
Support Harvey’s Voyage by making a donation on Backabuddy:
Need a reason to smile?Check out more photos of Harvey here
Adopt a Boston
Every dog deserves its own “happily ever after”. Boston Terrier Rescue SA’s dedicated volunteers work hard to make this happen for every Boston Terrier who they take into their care. Their network spans the entire South Africa, which allows them to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome dogs who find themselves abandoned, unwanted, neglected or surrendered (no matter where they are).
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.
Raised on stories of adventure and exploration, Ryan Jacobs (35) from Gardens, Cape Town, has set himself an ambitious new year’s resolution: to become the first person of colour to row any ocean solo, in an attempt to break the World Record for the furthest row of 5030 Nautical Miles.
The daring voyage across the Atlantic will begin in Cape Town and end in Barbados, taking approximately 100 days to complete.
“My vivid imagination as a child, and now, have allowed me to go wherever, and be whomever, I dreamt of. From working as a photojournalist in conflict zones in Libya, Syria and Palestine, to making an Atlantic Crossing on a sailboat, to climbing El Capitan in California – adventures have guided me through my life.” – says Ryan.
This expedition has two main objectives, Says Ryan:
“One: I want to see what I’ve got. How far can I go? The call to press on and adventure harder grows stronger and louder each day. It started as a whisper in childhood, and now, it is deafening.”
“Two: We need, and have to, address the lack of representation and diversity. I do not see myself represented in the outdoors or the adventure space. Where there is a lack of representation, I choose to be it. To me, representation works in two ways: to give people like me an example of what they (we) can do and be. And I believe it is also important for everyone to see what people like me can do.”
Many drops can fill the ocean
In anticipation of his row, which will begin in December 2022, Ryan has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, hoping to raise R500 000 with community support, to make his historic dream a reality.
Funds raised will help Ryan purchase an epoxy ocean rowing boat built by ocean rower and master yacht builder, Wayne Robertson, estimated to cost R500,000 ($35,000). If possible, Ryan would like to have the boat designed locally, to represent the spirit of South Africa on the waves.
Additional funds will help Ryan purchase the navigation systems and gadgets he will need to guide his way, and survive on the water. (Estimated to cost over R200 000)
Since the launch of his campaign over R15 000 has been raised towards his fundraising target of R500 000 with initial contributions from donors both locally and abroad.
“Come on the adventure with me – follow me, support me, share in my adventure. But also, choose to assist me in making the opportunity to change the narrative and to be the representation that is non-existent.” says Ryan
While donations of any amount will be greatly appreciated, donors who contribute R3800 ($250) and above will have their name printed on the side of Ryan’s boat, which he has affectionately named “Dala”.
“I know I’m going to die one day, I don’t know how much time I have. So I’m going to see how far I can go, make the most of myself. There are systems in place that I can’t abide by, I’m not going to talk about it or explain why, I’m just going to do it. It’s my dream, and if I can inspire others, that would be great! I’m out to get it. To push, to be more. Dala what you must” – says Ryan
Support Ryan’s campaign by making a donation here:
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.
Image: Jarrad Ricketts – Credit: Clayton Morar Media
This festive season many families will find themselves gathered around a hospital bed of a loved one diagnosed with a life-threatening blood disorder in need of a stem cell transplant, instead of the Christmas table.
At any given time, 200 South African patients are in need of a stem cell transplant, but many simply can’t afford the costs associated with the procedure.
To ease the financial burden of these families, the South African Bone Marrow Registry (SABMR) has again launched their Give A Little Save A Life campaign on BackaBuddy, with the aim of raising R300 000 for their Patient Assistance Programme this year. These funds will be used to cover the cost of donor recruitment, donor searches and related medical bills.
Kamiel Singh, Head of National Operations and Sustainability for the SABMR says there are currently three patients on the registry’s Patient Assistance Programme that are in urgent need of financial assistance.
“Every case that is referred to the SABMR is treated with the utmost urgency to ensure that a patient has the best chance of survival.
“Right now, we are trying to assist an 11 year-old girl from Cape Town with Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia; a 55 year-old woman from Gauteng who has Myelodusplastic Syndrome and a man, aged 69, also from Gauteng, who has been diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia. Your financial donation can help give these patients the second chance they so deserve,” he urges.
Kamiel Singh
This festive season, SAMA-nominated singer-songwriter, Jarrad Ricketts and his wife, Kim-Lee, have become advocates for stem cell donation and will be encouraging supporters to donate while challenging many of the myths around the process.
The famous musician says he was surprised to learn that people of colour are grossly underrepresented on the registry.
“It made me realise how much education still needs to be done to break the stigma around stem cell donation. Hundreds of South African patients die every year from blood related diseases, in many instances related to a shortage of mixed ethnicities, black, coloured and indian donors.
“Annually the SABMR has more than 200 patients on the waiting list for a stem cell transplant -50% of them are of colour, like me. It’s time that we question our reluctance to be involved and focus on the impact we can have on someone’s life.
Jarrad Ricketts and his wife Kim-Lee are on a mission to support the SABMR this festive season
“Disengagement from the donation process directly harms our communities. We need to be part of the registry more so than anyone else. When someone from a coloured, black or Indian community needs a bone marrow transplant, we struggle more than anyone else.
“My wife and I have pledged our commitment to the SABMR by registering as donors and I’d like to encourage all of my fans to do the same. If we all do our bit, just think how many lives we can save.
“C’om, let’s be someone’s tomorrow this Christmas,” challenges Ricketts.
The need for coloured donors
According to the SABMR, the coloured community are the least represented on their registry.
The breakdown per ethinic group is as follows:
Coloured – 7.9%
Asian /Indian – 9.9%
Black – 10.1%
White 66.5%
For people of colour the odds of finding a donor match is 1 in 400 000, which needn’t be the case.
Donate to the SABMR’s Give a Little Save A Life campaign:
Jarrad and Kim-Lee Ricketts will be appealing to the public via social media to boost donor sign ups and to raise much-needed funds for the SABMR’s Patient Assistance Programme on BackaBuddy. Follow them on @jarradrickettsent and @sabonemreg.
Connect with the SABMR
The SABMR (NPO) was established in 1991, motivated by the concern that although bone marrow transplants were a life-saving treatment option, they were only available to patients with a matching donor in their family. Today, the SABMR searches both locally and internationally for donors, thereby making collaboration with international registries and observing universal standards of practice essential.
To date, the SABMR has helped save the lives of over 550 patients with life-threatening blood disorders by matching them with healthy, unrelated bone marrow donors from South Africa and the rest of the world.
According to SABMR, Sustainability Portfolio Manager, Kamiel Singh, there are currently only 74 000 donors registered on the site to cater to over 57 million South Africans.
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.
After discovering hungry children in his community three years ago, Joshua Roos (12) who lives with his grandmother, Manda, in Gordon’s Bay, Western Cape, was inspired to start his own soup kitchen to feed the vulnerable and support various charitable institutions.
As Joshua and his grandmother get by on her disability pension, together they launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, to better serve their community by providing food parcels to young children and the elderly during lockdown.
Since the project’s launch in June 2020, donors both locally and abroad have contributed over R24 000 towards his fundraising target of R50 000 to expand the soup kitchen and feed hungry tummies. Donate here.
Like most businesses, Joshua’s soup kitchen was tremendously impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic with it being difficult to gather donations to continue helping the less fortunate.
To keep his dreaming alive, Joshua has had to think of other alternatives by starting his own Jalapeno Product Range by smoking various types of meats, and with the profits gained from this venture, he donates it to various causes that’s close to his heart.
Since Covid19 started it has been a real struggle to gather donations to continue to help the less fortunate which has been his dream (A dream which has no end) as everyone has gone through their own difficulties, that’s when Joshua started his own Jalapeno Product Range together with Smoking various meats and with the profits gained from this venture he donates it to various causes that’s close to his heart he wishes he is able to have at least once a month a day where he is able to give a hot meal to the less fortunate people around the community. Whilst all this has been going on granny’s health has also been deteriorating but still try to help where she can to enable his dreams but sometimes she is not able to. He has a project up his sleeve for the 16th of December for about 60 kids and everything is coming out of pocket as funds are very low at this point.
As funds have been slowly coming in, donations towards his cause and dream are still welcomed on his BackaBuddy page here.
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.
The Gift of the Givers Foundation, established in 1992, is the largest disaster response, non-governmental organisation of African origin on the African continent.
It works to unite people, with a common vision, to make a real and telling difference by serving mankind for the ‘Greater Good’.
Since its inception, the organisation has been responsible for the delivery of life-saving goods and on-the-ground support for innumerable people, collectively valued at some R3.2 billion, in more than 43 countries across the globe, including South Africa.
Fundraising on BackaBuddy
Since 2017, The Gift of The Givers, has partnered with BackaBuddy to support a number of worthy causes; fire relief efforts in Cape Town, protecting citizens and medical practitioners during the COVID-19, as well as feeding and sanitary projects.
To date, the beloved organisation has raised over R4 million, with the generous support of over 2300 donors on BackaBuddy.
Photo above: Patrick Schofield- CEO of BackaBuddy, Dr Imtiaz Sooliman- Founder of Gift of the Givers, Catherine Du Plooy- COO of BackaBuddy and Ali Sablay- community liaison officer of Gift of the Givers.
Lend your support
Support Healthcare workers on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic
The Gift of The Givers is issuing a call to action to all South African citizens, private & corporate, individuals and companies, to come together and support the medical staff and facilities on the frontline of COVID-19 pandemic.
All donors are eligible for a Section 18A tax certificate issued by The Gift of the Givers
Raise funds for the Gift of the Givers foundation
On BackaBuddy, members of the public can raise funds for a non-profit organisation of their choice by pledging their birthdays, participating in cultural and sporting events, or simply creating a profile to ask friends and family to donate to a cause that they are passionate about.
In 2021, Dr Sandy Inglis from Pietermaritzburg, participated in the Freedom Challenge, a 26-day non-stop mountain bike ride from Pietermaritzburg to Diemersfontein, and raised over R76 000 to support The Gift of the Givers Educational Interventions.
Launch a BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign with your own fundraising goal to support The Gift of the Givers by clicking here
Need help setting up a fundraiser for the Gift of the Givers Foundation?
Reach out to our charity team for advice and assistance.
