George, Western Cape, South Africa – Lynnette (Lynn) Blignaut called for global support from Thailand, where her daughter, Ashley Oosthuizen (26), had been wrongfully imprisoned for five years. Lynnette launched a crowdfunding campaign through BackaBuddy to manage living and legal expenses as they continued to fight for Ashley’s release.
Background
After graduating from Outeniqua High School in George, Western Cape, Ashley moved to Thailand in 2018. She initially worked as a teacher on the island of Koh Samui, but after being laid off, she secured a managerial position at the restaurant Hot in the Biscuit, which offered her a fresh start and hope for a stable, fulfilling life in Thailand.
However, her dreams were abruptly shattered on 8 October 2020, when Ashley unknowingly accepted and signed for a package containing 250g of MDMA, intended for someone else. Despite her innocence, she was implicated and arrested, leading to a wrongful conviction.
Pictured above: Ashley Oosthuizen
Heartbreakingly, at just 22 years old, Ashley was sentenced to death. After a lengthy legal battle, her sentence was reduced to life imprisonment and later reduced again to 33.4 years. However, justice had not yet been served. Her next appeal in Thailand’s High Court remained pending, with no court date yet confirmed. If clemency was not granted, Ashley would only be released at the age of 56.
Ashley’s Reality
Despite the challenges of prison life, Ashley showed remarkable resilience. Her Thai became excellent, enabling her to communicate and build friendships with fellow inmates. These connections provided mutual support and a sense of security in an environment where vulnerability was a constant risk.
Every day was a battle—to endure, to stay hopeful—but she remained grounded in her faith, and learned to put her trust in the living God, offering help to others and reading whenever possible, though she was only allowed nine books a year.
Lynnette expressed the heartbreak of being unable to protect her daughter, saying, “Ashley’s resilience, but most of all, my trust in Father God’s care for her, gives me hope despite the uncertain future she faces.”
For years, Lynnette and Ashley were only allowed to see each other through a Perspex divider, speaking for just 15 to 20 minutes, twice a week, at a time via phone, each confined to separate rooms. But on Friday, 24 January 2025, for the first time in nearly six years, Lynnette was granted a contact visit with Ashley—a deeply emotional reunion.
Pictured Above: Ashley Oosthuizen with her mom, Lynnette Blignaut. (January 2025)
Ashley’s Needs
Ashley still needed financial support for daily survival, as prisons in Thailand did not provide basic necessities—they provided watered-down rice three times a day, often containing questionable foreign objects. To stay healthy, Ashley had to buy her own food, toiletries, bottled water (as the available water was not always safe to drink), and pay for laundry.
Lynnette continued to fight for her daughter, saying, “As a mother, I did what any parent would—I uprooted my entire life and moved to Thailand in 2022 to be close to Ashley, visit her, and fight for her freedom. Staying here was crucial, as leaving would be devastating for her. However, due to visa restrictions, I was unable to work, and without a source of income at the moment, and my savings running out quickly, I would soon have to rely entirely on donations to cover Ashley’s daily needs in prison as well as my own living expenses while I remained by her side.”
Crowdfunding on BackaBuddy
To help cover these essential expenses, Lynnette launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy. Donations supported Ashley’s daily needs in prison, including food, bottled water, hygiene products, and laundry, which amounted to approximately ฿14,700 (R7,791) per month. Additionally, unexpected legal costs could arise, adding to the financial burden.
Funds also helped Lynnette remain in Thailand, ensuring she could continue visiting and advocating for Ashley—something vital to Ashley’s mental and emotional well-being. Her living expenses totaled around ฿17,000 (R9,010) per month. Combined, their monthly expenses amounted to ฿31,700 (R16,801). A full breakdown of costs was available on the crowdfunding page.
The campaign had already raised over R64 000 from 96 donors in just one month, demonstrating Ashley’s incredible support network and the widespread compassion for her cause. These funds were managed through Hearts4Ashley, an NPC established to support Ashley’s fight for justice.
“To everyone who had supported us along the way—whether through donations, prayers, messages, or simply caring about Ashley—thank you. Your kindness and generosity carried us through the hardest moments, and knowing that so many people cared about my daughter meant more than words could express.”
Follow Lynnette for Updates
Lynnette posts regular updates on Ashley’s situation and their fight for justice through the following social media pages:
Lynn Blignaut, the devoted mother of #AshleyOosthuizen, has shared a heartfelt message of thanks to the 95 generous donors who have supported their BackaBuddy campaign.
Thanks to your kindness through once-off and monthly recurring donations, over R62 000 has been raised — a true blessing that will help cover their living expenses for the next 3.5 months while Ashley remains behind bars in Thailand.
Watch the video to hear Lynn’s message of gratitude: https://youtube.com/shorts/E6n-saAcbWA?feature=share
If you’ve been touched by Ashley’s story, please consider supporting their campaign or sharing this post with someone you know. Incredible things happen when people come together.
In a world where generosity is often met with recognition, anonymous donors are the quiet champions of countless causes. Their contributions shaping lives and changing futures without ever expecting a thank you in return.
At BackaBuddy, we have witnessed firsthand the profound impact of these unsung heroes. Time and again, anonymous donations, sometimes modest, sometimes staggeringly generous, have provided relief to struggling families, life-saving medical care to those in need, and opportunities to individuals who never dared to dream. These silent acts of kindness are a testament to the belief that true generosity is not about recognition, but about making a difference.
Anonymity in giving is a rare and beautiful thing. It is the purest form of altruism, a quiet acknowledgment that the act of helping others is its own reward. It speaks to a level of selflessness that transcends personal gain, focusing solely on the needs of those who benefit. The choice to give without expectation reflects a deep, unwavering belief in humanity, a belief that kindness, even in its most unseen form, has the power to change lives.
For the parents who can now afford their child’s critical surgery, for the students whose education is no longer a distant dream, for the individuals who find hope in their darkest moments, you are their miracle. Your generosity is a reminder that even in an often chaotic world, there is still goodness, compassion, and a willingness to lift others up without fanfare.
To the anonymous donors who choose to give without the need for acknowledgment, we see you. Though your name may never be known, your kindness is felt in the hearts of every beneficiary, in every tear wiped away, in every dream made possible. Your generosity reminds us that humanity thrives not in grand gestures alone, but in quiet, selfless acts of goodwill.
Thank you for being the invisible thread that holds communities together, for believing in the power of giving, and for proving that real impact does not need a name attached to it. You are the reason so many can look forward to a brighter tomorrow.
From all of us at BackaBuddy, and from every life you’ve touched, thank you.
Steve has always been full of life, a steadfast source of support for those around him. Now, as he faces the greatest challenge of his life, his community has rallied behind him in an extraordinary show of generosity and kindness.
In early February, Steve suffered a severe brain bleed, a life-threatening medical emergency that required immediate intervention. Thanks to swift action, his life was saved, but the road to recovery remains long and uncertain. Since then, he has undergone two critical procedures and has been relocated to Cape Town, where he remains in intensive care. His journey ahead will require extensive medical care and rehabilitation to regain his full physical and cognitive strength.
To help with Steve’s medical expenses, his family launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy. In an inspiring display of generosity, 140 donors came together surpassing the initial R200,000 goal, and raising over R219,000 in just 14 days.
This overwhelming generosity has eased the financial burden on his loved ones, allowing them to focus entirely on his recovery. His family, John, Christine, and Frances, have been by his side every step of the way, ensuring he receives the best possible care. Thanks to the kindness of donors, they can continue to support him without the added stress of financial strain.
While the fundraising goal has been met, Steve’s journey is far from over. As he remains in intensive care and unable to work, ongoing support will be crucial in covering rehabilitation, transport, and living expenses. His loved ones are committed to ensuring he has every opportunity to make a full recovery, and the generosity of donors has provided him with the best possible chance to do so.
Steve’s story is a powerful testament to the strength of community and the impact of collective kindness. In his time of greatest need, friends, family, and strangers came together to lift him up, proving that even in the most challenging moments, humanity prevails.
One person’s ‘small donation’ is another’s fighting chance. For 7-year-old Joshua Louwrens, this truth has turned his battle with cancer into a story of hope, resilience, and overwhelming community support. Thanks to the generosity of Joshua’s Angels, his network of donors and well-wishers, this brave little boy has surpassed his crowdfunding goal in record time, giving him the upper hand in his fight against cancer.
Joshua’s story began with what seemed like a minor issue, a small bump on his neck. A routine visit to the doctor led to a prescription for antibiotics, with the initial belief that the bump was caused by a swollen lymph node due to an infection in his gums. When the first round of treatment failed, another round of antibiotics followed. Though the infection cleared, the bump remained.
Concerned, Joshua’s family took him for a third medical consultation. This time, doctors decided to admit him to the hospital to investigate further. Surgery was performed to remove the bump, but due to its location, doctors were unable to remove it entirely. It was then sent for testing.
On 28 January, Joshua’s family received the devastating news: their beloved boy had Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL). “Nothing could have prepared us for this news, and it felt like our entire world was shattered in an instant,” his family shared.
The days that followed were filled with uncertainty and urgency. Joshua underwent a series of scans to determine if the cancer had spread, followed by multiple trips into surgery. Doctors installed a central line to aid in his treatment, and then came another challenge, his hometown of Newcastle did not have the necessary pediatric oncology facilities to treat him.
With little time to spare, Joshua and his family made the 350-kilometer journey to Pretoria, where he underwent further testing, including a bone aspiration and a spinal tap, to assess whether the cancer had reached his bone marrow or spinal cord. On 1 February, Joshua received his first round of chemotherapy, marking the start of his six-month battle against the aggressive disease.
Cancer treatment is a relentless battle, physically, emotionally, and financially. Beyond the medical bills, consultations, and procedures, the logistics of traveling between Newcastle and Pretoria added another layer of stress for Joshua’s family. They quickly realized that their medical aid would not cover all necessary treatments and expenses.
Determined to give Joshua the best possible chance, his family turned to their community for help. The response was nothing short of extraordinary.
In just a few days, an army of supporters, now known as Joshua’s Angels, rallied behind him. They donated, shared his story, and spread the word. Small acts of kindness multiplied, and together, they raised an astounding R189,738, far surpassing the initial goal of R150,000 on BackaBuddy!
Joshua’s battle is far from over, but thanks to the unwavering support of his Angels, he now faces it with renewed strength and financial security. Beyond the funds, Joshua has received an even greater gift, the knowledge that he is not alone. At just seven years old, he has learned one of life’s most beautiful lessons: that kindness exists in abundance and that together, we are stronger.
As Joshua continues his journey to healing, his family and his Angels remain by his side, proving that when communities come together, mountains can indeed be moved.
Christopher “Rasta” Maseko, a 42-year-old safari guide from Mpatseni, a small village in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, tragically lost his left eye in an accident caused by a drunk driver in November 2024.
For years, Christopher has shared his deep love for Kruger National Park with visitors, captivating them with his knowledge of wildlife and his infectious humor. His journey from barber and spaza shop owner to respected safari guide is nothing short of remarkable. Yet, his life changed forever in November 2024 after a devastating car accident that cost him his left eye.
Christopher’s path to becoming a guide was anything but smooth. After matriculating in 2001, his dreams of further education were halted due to financial constraints. Undeterred, Christopher took on various roles—running a small shop, cutting hair, and later working at a plant nursery.
It was at the nursery that his love for nature blossomed. “I learned so much about indigenous and exotic plants, and guests visiting the Kruger admired my garden designs,” he shares. “Their encouragement gave me the confidence to pursue guiding.”
In 2009, after many setbacks, Christopher earned his nature guide qualification. His passion for wildlife and knack for storytelling made him a sought-after guide, freelancing for multiple companies and leaving lasting memories for guests from around the globe.
Photo above: Christopher before the accident
A Life-Altering Accident
On a quiet Sunday morning, while driving to work, a drunk driver veered into his lane, causing a head-on collision. The impact of the crash resulted in a windshield wiper piercing his left eye.
Looking back, Christopher reflects, “Losing my eye has been incredibly challenging. I can no longer drive the larger vehicles, which impacts my work. But I am so grateful to still be here. That’s what matters most.”
Photo above: Christopher after the accident
Rallying Around Christopher
Seeing the difficulties Christopher now faces, his close friend and colleague, Dianne Wichman, started a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy to raise R30,000 for his prosthetic eye and to help with his recovery.
“Christopher, along with all the guides who work with us, is considered part of our family and we will continue doing everything we can to make sure he is able to recover with as little financial stress as possible. BackaBuddy is an amazing platform to reach people who are in a position to help. No matter how big or small, the donations have made a huge difference and it is heartwarming to know that there are so many people who are prepared to help Christopher” ~ Dianne
Photo above: Christopher with guest’s children
The outpouring of support from the community has been nothing short of heartwarming, with 19 donors already contributing over R25,000. The response has truly shown how much Christopher is loved and appreciated.
“For me, the kindness of others has been a reminder that even in the darkest times, there is so much good in the world,” says Christopher, deeply moved by the generosity.
Despite the hurdles, Christopher remains optimistic. “I’ve faced many challenges in life, and this is just another one to overcome,” he says with determination. His journey is a powerful reminder of resilience, hope, and the strength of community.
On 27 January, he had his final check-up, and was given the all-clear. This means that on 29 January his prosthetic eye will be fitted—an important step toward his recovery and a symbol of his unyielding spirit.
South Africa – December 2024: BackaBuddy, South Africa’s leading donations-based crowdfunding platform, is spreading joy this festive season with an exciting announcement: 0% platform fees on all crowdfunding campaigns launched between 1–31 December 2024.
Pictured above: Patrick Schofield (BackaBuddy CEO), and Catherine Du Plooy (BackaBuddy CGO)
A Gift to the Community: 0% Platform Fees for December
As part of its ongoing commitment to helping people make a meaningful impact, BackaBuddy is excited to extend this offer to all campaign creators for December—giving them the opportunity to raise more funds for the causes they care about, with only third-party payment gateway fees applying.
“At BackaBuddy, we are constantly inspired by the generosity, kindness, and compassion we see across our platform, especially in the lead-up to the festive season,” says Catherine Du Plooy, Director and Chief Growth Officer at BackaBuddy. “This 0% platform fee initiative is our gift to our community—an opportunity for campaign creators to raise vital funds with fewer fees and for donors to make an even greater impact. We want to make it as easy as possible for people to come together and give back this December.”
The Impact of Giving: #GivingTuesday and Over R550 Million Raised
The announcement comes just after #GivingTuesday on 3 December, marking the official start of the giving season. Whether you’re supporting a local charity, helping a loved one in need, or funding a personal cause, there’s no better time to launch a campaign and make a difference.
“We’ve been inspired by the overwhelming acts of kindness and generosity throughout 2024. Thanks to the compassion of South Africans and our dedicated donors from around the globe, R106,930,000 was raised on BackaBuddy this year alone, with 118,000 donors supporting more than 24,500 campaigns. Since our launch in 2015, and with the incredible support of our community, over R550 million has been raised on BackaBuddy in total—a true testament to the power of community-driven giving.”
“At BackaBuddy, our mission goes beyond simply raising funds; we are dedicated to empowering individuals and communities to unite for causes that matter. This December, we aim to amplify this spirit of giving, inspiring even more people to join us in making a meaningful impact.”
Innovation and Integrity: What’s Next for BackaBuddy in 2025
In September 2023, BackaBuddy launched a 0% platform fee for charities year-round, with only third-party payment gateway fees applying. This initiative has been a crucial part of BackaBuddy’s ongoing support for charitable organisations, ensuring more funds go directly to the causes that need them.
In 2024, BackaBuddy also relaunched its website, unveiling new features that further enhance the user experience and ensure that campaign creators and donors alike can navigate the platform with ease.
“Our website revamp in March marked an exciting milestone for us as a team and as an organisation, and we are excited to continue improving and innovating, providing a seamless platform for fundraising and community connection,” says Zane Groenewald, Marketing & PR Manager at BackaBuddy. “But this is just the beginning. There is so much more to come in 2025—exciting new features that will further elevate the experience for both campaign creators and donors.”
A Season of Giving
This December, BackaBuddy invites everyone—whether you are a campaign creator or a donor—to join in unwrapping kindness, creating lasting change, and making the season of giving even more meaningful.
Pictured Above: Ashley Oosthuizen with her mom, Lynnette Blignaut. (January 2025)
