A crowdfunding campaign has been launched on BackaBuddy by FundingHub, to help small business owner, Suveer Pakkoo (38), from Howick, Pietermaritzburg, recover from the devastating looting and unrest that destroyed his company Badges and Signs.
To help Suveer get back to business, he will need to replace 6 machines (estimated at R20 000) and almost R15 000 in raw materials that were stolen during the looting. Some suppliers who are affiliated with the business have kindly lent a few machines to Suveer so they can continue their operations and deliver on the jobs they were busy with prior to the unrest.
Without insurance Suveer has suffered a tremendous loss, but thanks to kind support from his community, he is almost back on his feet.
With generous support from 11 donors, almost R29 000 has been raised towards Suveer’s fundraising target of R45 000 on BackaBuddy.
“I’m 38 years of age & have two kids, so I am not at a stage to quit, I have built my business from the start & am going to see this through. I appreciate that there is still hope out there.” – says Suveer.
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/
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 R260 Million.
Every year millions of children die from diseases associated with inadequate water supply, sanitation, and hygiene, according to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Tracker.
In South Africa, this reality manifests itself as children in over 3 000 schools are using dangerous pit latrines (toilets) in their learning environment.
As a solution to this dire problem, The HomeComing Foundation, based in Pretoria, has launched groundbreaking initiative, #TheBucketStopsWithMe, to assist in the eradication of pit/bucket toilets in schools and replace them with dignified and safe sanitation infrastructure, including taps and toilets for schools in need.
Picture Above: The Foundation’s mission is to ensure that the next generation is equipped with the adequate tools for future success.
“We understand that quality education is accompanied by a clean environment, sufficient equipment, and a safe space for students to thrive. #TheBucketStopsWithMe initiative is the first project from our foundation, and we are proud to embark on this transformative journey that will address key problem areas in learning environments,” says the Managing Director of HomeComing Foundation, Kopano Bookholane.
With the first phase of this initiative, HomeComing Foundation aims to raise enough funds to transform the sanitation challenges in up to 4 schools. So far, #TheBucketStopsWithMe has managed to raise over R62 000 via the BackaBuddy crowdfunding platform.
“The funds raised are allocated towards the implementation of a non-polluting, cost-effective toilet system, plus the safe and hygienic infrastructure to house it,” explains Kopano.
To amplify its fundraising efforts, the #TheBucketStopsWithMe initiative has joined forces with media personalities, Hulisani Ravele and Dr. Musa Mthombeni, as its key spokespersons.
“We have both had the privilege of being educated in learning environments that were safe and clean. Our parents never had to carry the fear of receiving a phone call from the school saying that we had fallen down a pit toilet or contracted an illness as a result of unhygienic conditions. For this fear to still be a reality for so many parents and learners speaks to the crisis our education system finds itself in. We’re excited to lend not only our voices but also our hands to HomeComing Foundation,” said Ravele and Mthombeni.
The Homecoming Foundation #TheBucketStopsWithMe Initiative is live and both individuals and corporates are encouraged to pledge their donations as we aim to eradicate pit toilets and the buckets system, thus creating safe and hygienic learning spaces for students to thrive.
Donate to support #TheBucketStopsWithMe initiative:
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/homecomingnpc-campaign
Donate via Snapscan
https://pos.snapscan.io/qr/HomecomingFoundationNPC
The Homecoming Foundation (HCF), is on a mission to make sure that the next generation is equipped with the best possible chance of achieving success. We understand that quality education is accompanied by a clean environment, sufficient equipment, and a safe space for students to thrive.
For more information on #TheBucketStopsWithMe please follow the foundation on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
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 R270 Million.
Digital Content Creator and Trans Rights Activist, Zoey Black (33) from Kuils River, Cape Town, has openly shared her life and journey as a trans woman for the world to see in recent years.
Now, after much consideration, the tenacious Capetonian is ready for the next big step in her life, undergoing a breast augmentation, or ‘Top surgery’ as it’s commonly known, to affirm herself.
“It was incredibly hard being raised and socialised as a boy. Since childhood, I knew I was a woman. But I didn’t have the language to articulate or explain why I felt so displaced and why I struggled with my identity and relationships. Only coming into my gender identity in my late 20’s was rough, but it was by far the best decision I made for myself… to live as myself, openly.” – says Zoey
To realise her life-long dream of becoming her authentic self, Zoey has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy to appeal to family, friends, LGBTQI allies, as well as the wider public for much-needed support.
“I’m the kind of person to take my time when I make big decisions. I’d been thinking of having top surgery done for about 5 years now. But before I decided to undergo such massive change, I wanted to make sure that it was the right decision for me. And it was. So here we are… Me, asking you to help make that decision a reality.” – says Zoey.
Since the launch of Zoey’s campaign on 4 August 2021, over R5000 has been raised towards her fundraising target of R60 000, which will cover the cost of the surgery, time in theatre, as well as the routine post-surgery check-ups she will need.
To show her appreciation to those who have supported her op and stood by her through the years, Zoey hopes to document her experience in detail, to pave the way for her ‘trans siblings’ who are contemplating affirming themselves through surgery.
She also hopes that through educating others on what it means to be trans, more people will have compassion for the vibrant community. ‘There is always something we can learn from each other’ says Zoey.
Make a donation to support Zoey’s transformation:
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/zoey-black
Donate via Snapscan
https://pos.snapscan.io/qr/Zoey-black
For regular updates on Zoey’s journey, subscribe to her YouTube channel here.
Follow Zoey on Instagram here.
Gender DynamiX (GDX), established in 2005, is the first registered Africa-based public benefit organisation to focus solely on trans and gender diverse communities. What started as a mere vision, slowly grew into a grassroots organisation. GDX has since become an institutionalised non-profit organisation (NPO) that is fundamental to the development of the trans and gender diverse movement(s) in South Africa and across southern Africa.
For more information, visit:
https://www.genderdynamix.org.za
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 R260 Million.
Pictured above: SAWFB volunteers, Lizet Coelho and Charlie Bezuidenhout-Hollingsworth
In response to the tragic murder of 29-year-old, Meghan Cremer, the vibrant show-jumper and bakery manager from Cape Town, who was assaulted and murdered in Cape Town in August 2019, Bronwyn Litkie launched Facebook group SA Women Fight Back.
The group, which was founded on 8 August 2019, the day before Women’s Day, began as a safe place for women to share their stories of abuse, seek help and confide in each other, soon grew to nearly a quarter of a million members, putting gender-based violence in the spotlight.
With the help of remarkable volunteers, the group formalised and established an NPC, to give a voice to the slain, forgotten and silenced women in our society.
“Through the stories that we read we came to realise just how many womxn have remained silent and suffered for sometimes decades at the hands of their abuser. Most women had never shared their stories. Gender-Based Violence has been silenced for too long, and we need to lift this veil and let womxn know that they are not alone and that there is always help for them” says group founder, Bronwyn.
Founder of SAWFB, Bronwyn Litkie.
Turning words into action, SA Women Fight Back, collaborates with sister organisations to offer gender-based violence survivors counselling and healing courses after they have experienced trauma, among other helpful initiatives.
This women’s month, the organisation hopes to expand their care pack drive, through a crowdfunding campaign launched on BackaBuddy, to help restore dignity to the brave women who come forward to report a sexual assault.
These packs, which cost approximately R100 to put together, including transportation costs, contain underwear, sanitary pads, a pamphlet on where to find help, and other much-needed items to help survivors on their road to rehabilitation.
“We currently have relationships with 16 police stations across SA but would like this program to reach all stations with high Gender-Based violence statistics. There are over 40 000 gender-based violence cases reported each year and we would like to be able to supply care packs to every victim.” – says Bronwyn.
With generous support from the public, the organisation has thus far been able to accumulate 250 care packs, which will serve as a life-line to those who need them.
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/victim-to-survivor
https://pos.snapscan.io/qr/victim-to-survivor
*Recurring donations can be made via BackaBuddy and Snapscan, if you wish to support this project on a monthly basis for a specified amount of time.
SA Women Fight Back is a community of united women who network to bring about legislative change and support for all women and children in South Africa.
Through non-violent, collaborative engagement, the organisation lobbies to combat gender-based violence and hold government and other authorities accountable for the safety, empowerment, equality, and justice for all.
If you or a loved one has fallen victim to gender-based violence. We encourage you to contact SAWFB to get help.
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 R260 Million.
Lara Van Lelyveld (37) originally from Howick, Pietermaritzburg, had just landed her dream job as Head of English at Curro, Century City, when the breathing problems she had been experiencing became very serious.
In November 2020, Lara was diagnosed with Idiopathic Subglottic Stenosis, a rare, life-threatening illness that causes the narrowing of a patient’s trachea, as well as inflammation and the development of tissue in the throat area.
Lara, who friends and loved ones describe as ‘bubbly and colourful’, had now gone from living an adventurous life, to losing a big part of herself; her voice and her cheerful laugh.
Since her diagnosis, Lara has been in and out of hospital countless times, to stop her throat from closing. As the cause of her condition is unknown, doctors are doing all they can to give Lara her life back.
In November 2021, Lara received an endoscopic dilation of the tracheal stenosis, which showed promise, but unfortunately the results were short lived and the scar tissue grew back even more aggressively months later.
In April 2021, Lara was surgically fitted with a stent, which unfortunately failed as the scar tissue began to engulf it.
Lara communicates using pen and paper due to no air around her vocal cords making it hard for her to talk.
In May 2021, Lara had a tracheostomy inserted to help her breathing, as doctors continue to investigate the best course of treatment for Lara.
Currently, under the expert care of Professor Lubbe, Lara’s trachea continues to close. At it’s most narrow, her trachea was a scant 1mm wide, while a healthy trachea should be between 1,5 cm to 2 cm wide. At this stage, it takes about 4 weeks for the trachea to narrow to a diameter of 3mm.
With every procedure Lara has had, the scar tissue grows back quicker and quicker, causing Lara severe discomfort and stress.
After a 4-hour-long operation, Lara was fitted with a T-shaped trach tube on 2 August 2021, which unfortunately didn’t work as she was unable to breathe. She has now been given several steroid injections in her throat tissue to see if this will stop her tissue from growing. She will then receive an iron infusion as she has become anaemic.
Apart from the physical pain of her procedures, and the emotional toll it has had on her, Lara has also given up a lot of life’s simple pleasures.
While she has her tracheostomy, she will not be able to swim again in fear of drowning. The chances of her returning to the classroom, the job she loves, are also very slim.
“Truth be told, I’m terrified. I can’t plan my future and so many of my dreams are indefinitely on hold. This disease has brought me to my knees. Each day is a struggle.” – says Lara
In addition to the above, Lara is also facing a tremendous financial burden, as her medical aid only covers her hospital stays, but not her specialised procedures or medications.
Lara with a trach tube that has to be replaced after every 6 months costing R9900.
To assist Lara with her medical bills, her loved ones have launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, that has thus far raised over R 31 000 towards their fundraising target of R50 000, to support lovely Lara on her road to recovery.
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 R260 Million.
On 20 June 2021, Nicolaas Serfontein (36), an admired swimming teacher from Melkbosstrand Cape Town, was rushed to the emergency room at Blaauwberg Netcare Hospital, after his wife, Tina, struggled to wake him up.
Doctors soon realised after conducting two Lumbar Punctures, and several tests, including multiple CT and MRI scans, that Nicky had contracted a rare form of meningitis and was also experiencing kidney failure.
Pictured above: Nicolaas Serfontein
To save Nicky’s life, he was put on a ventilator, placed in an induced coma for 4 days, and given a number of medications and drips.
A Long road to recovery
While Nicky has moved into a medical ward, after 20 days in ICU, doctors predict that his road to rehabilitation will be a long one due to the severe medical trauma he has endured.
Nicky will soon need to begin occupational therapy as well as physiotherapy to make a full recovery and continue living life to the fullest.
Crowdfunding on BackaBuddy
To assist Nicky with his medical costs as well as his living costs for the next couple of months, a member of his family, Zaren Knight (33), has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy to appeal to the public for support in raising R100 000 to help Nicky get back on his feet after this traumatic and unexpected ordeal.
“Everyone knows Nicky as the kindest person with the biggest heart. He has a spirit of love and always puts others first. I always say that I’m a black-and-white person (yes and no), and Nicky is all the beautiful colours in between. He is the love of my life, and he is loved by so many. He is always ready to help someone else, but right now he needs our help. Please stand with us in prayer as now, Nicky needs our help” says Nicolaas’ wife, Tina.
Pictured above: Nicky with his wife, Tina.
Since the launch of the campaign, over R14 000 has been raised from kind contributions from 22 donors who have left warm messages of encouragement for Nicky in his time of need.
‘Running with a smile’, Zaren, who is admittedly not a trained runner, ran over 20km, around the entire Swakopmund in Namibia on the 10th July 2021, to raise funds for Nicky’s campaign, pledging to donate R100 herself, for every kilometer she completed.
Make a donation to support Nicolaas by donating here:
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/nicky-serfontein
Alternatively, make a donation via Snapscan:
https://pos.snapscan.io/qr/Nicky-serfontein
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 R260 Million.