by Sanusha Shamdutt | Sep 26, 2024 | Campaign, Impact
Tom London, a well-known talk show host and activist from Johannesburg, recently found himself facing a life-threatening health crisis that took him from the wards of Helen Joseph Hospital to the screens of social media. His ordeal not only ignited a critical conversation about the state of South Africa’s public healthcare system but also revealed the incredible power of collective support.
Tom’s health crisis began with a simple chest cold, which escalated into a severe case of pneumonia and pleural effusion. He was admitted to Helen Joseph Hospital, where he experienced firsthand the challenges of the public healthcare system. Documenting his ordeal from his hospital bed, Tom shared raw and emotional videos on social media, expressing his frustration with the neglect and inadequate care he witnessed. “Doctors here, you are giving doctors in South Africa a bad name. I am so angry with you. This is the Helen Joseph Circus Hospital, where doctors experiment on you,” Tom said in one of his viral videos.
His candid accounts of the harsh realities inside the hospital, including the heartbreaking experience of witnessing a fellow patient pass away without immediate assistance, resonated with thousands of South Africans. Many shared similar stories of their own experiences within the public healthcare system, calling attention to the urgent need for reform.
Amidst the distress, something remarkable unfolded as South Africans from all walks of life united in support of Tom after a concerned South African, Alistair Jameson, took the initiative to launch a BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign, closely following Tom’s journey, to raise the R300,000 required for his life-saving thoracic surgery. In an extraordinary display of solidarity, the goal was surpassed within days, with donations flowing in from across the country and beyond. Thanks to the generosity of 561 donors, Tom successfully raised R368,000, ensuring his surgery would proceed. BackaBuddy paid the funds directly to Morningside Hospital on the afternoon of Monday, September 16, 2024.
Within hours of sharing his urgent need for medical attention at a private hospital, donations began pouring in. “Thank you for everything today. You saved my life,” Tom expressed in gratitude after securing enough funds to transfer to a facility where he could receive the critical care he so desperately needed.
The surgery, discounted to R275,000, leaves the remaining funds to support Tom’s ongoing care and recovery. BackaBuddy CEO, Patrick Schofield, reflects on the overwhelming support, stating, “We’re just glad that we’ve been able to provide a platform for this immense community of people who’ve supported Tom. It speaks volumes about the love and respect people have for him. Our part was to ensure that support reached the hospital as quickly as possible so he could have the operation and focus on getting better.”.
While Tom’s battle with illness was deeply personal, his story sparked a broader movement, reigniting calls for change within the public healthcare system. His viral videos shone a spotlight on the shortcomings of the system, but they also underscored the strength of community when people unite for a common cause.
As Tom continues his recovery, his story remains a symbol of hope and a call for change. It highlights not only the challenges within the public healthcare system but also the profound compassion and generosity that defines South Africa.
SOURCES: GOOD THINGS GUY & BRIEFLY NEWS SA
by Sanusha Shamdutt | Sep 2, 2024 | Impact
Gift Zingora, a dedicated and passionate gardener, has achieved a monumental milestone. After two years of persistent saving and remarkable community support, Gift now proudly owns a fully-fledged garden service business. This accomplishment is not only a personal triumph for Gift but also a cause for celebration across the Bryanston community.
Gift’s inspiring journey began in November 2022 when he first garnered the attention of the Bryanston residents. Demonstrating unwavering commitment, Gift ingeniously converted his bicycle into a mobile gardening toolkit, tirelessly cycling between clients’ gardens. It was during this period that local resident Grant Zoghby noticed Gift’s dedication and struck up a conversation with him about his work. Deeply moved by Gift’s story and aspirations, Grant initiated a BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign to help Gift realise his dream of expanding his garden service.
Back in 2022, Gift’s daily workload was limited to a single garden due to the constraints of cycling between clients. His vision was to extend his services to two or three gardens a day, which necessitated the acquisition of a bakkie and a team. With the help of Grant and another resident, Bridget Nortje, fundraising efforts through BackaBuddy raised enough money to provide Gift with essential safety gear, a cell phone, and some additional supplies, while the rest of the funds were saved for purchasing a bakkie.
Pictured above: (Left) Gift Zingora with his mobile gardening tool kit, (Right) Gift with Grant Zoghby and Bridget Nortje
Recently, Bridget shared an uplifting update on the I Love Bryanston Facebook group:
“I’m sure many of you will remember the story of Gift, who Grant Zoghby and I met a few years back. He is a wonderful gardener who works 7 days a week and has made his own makeshift “bakkie” with his bicycle to transport his gardening goods to his workplaces and back home.” – Bridget Nortje
“The story grew and the reach was further than we could ever have imagined. Many of you contributed to a BackaBuddy fund and we managed to do repairs to his bike, supply proper lights, shoes, a helmet and safety equipment as well as buy a cellphone for Gift to communicate with clients. Gift’s ultimate goal and dream was to one day own a bakkie of his own to do his gardening work and transport his equipment to and from his home to his employers’ homes. With the money raised, this goal still seemed very out of reach. We explained to Gift that we would need to keep saving and help him get a driver’s licence for him to own this vehicle.” Bridget told Good Things Guy
Thanks to years of perseverance, diligent saving, and the generosity of the Bryanston community, Gift’s dream has finally come to fruition. Today, he proudly owns a bakkie, ready to elevate his business to new heights.
Source and Image Credit: Good Things Guy
by Simbulele Jezile | Jul 18, 2024 | Campaign, Impact
At BackaBuddy, we believe in the profound impact of collective generosity to transform lives and uplift communities. As South Africa’s leading crowdfunding platform, we are honored to support countless individuals and causes, providing a reliable foundation for heroes to stand on.
With over R550 million raised from more than 55,000 global donors for over 44,000 causes, we’ve seen the incredible difference we can make together. Our community’s impact has crossed borders, touching lives not only in South Africa but across the world.
Dedicated Support
At BackaBuddy, our acronym GECKO represents our core values: Generosity, Empathy, Compassion, Kindness, and Openness. Our whole team embodies these values, providing hands-on support and treating every person and cause with genuine care.
We are deeply committed to the campaign creators, charities, and organizations we assist. Our team is skilled and experienced, offering strategy and guidance across multiple platforms to ensure the best results for everyone.
Building Trust Through Integrity
Trust is at the heart of BackaBuddy. We treasure the faith our community places in us with each contribution. We are equally committed to supporting our campaign creators who set up campaigns to raise funds for various causes and charities. To honor this trust, we uphold a meticulous vetting process for every campaign, ensuring that donations are used effectively and ethically. Our goal is to ensure that each act of giving translates into tangible, positive impact.
Listening, Learning, and Growing Together
Your feedback is invaluable to us. It helps us navigate challenges and improve our platform. Recently, we launched our new website designed to enhance your crowdfunding experience with an updated look and many new features.
We faced a few glitches with the new site that caused frustration for our campaign creators, charities, and donors. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. We are grateful for your patience and understanding during this transition. Thanks to your invaluable feedback, we have resolved these issues. Today, our platform is more robust and reliable, better equipped to support your crowdfunding efforts with advanced technology and attentive service. Your continued support means the world to us, and we are committed to making your experience even greater and more impactful.
Our Commitment to Excellence
We are proud of our review track record, reflecting our dedication to serving our community with integrity and care. In 2023, we received 312 reviews with an average rating of 90. In 2024, we’ve already garnered 212 reviews with an even higher average rating of 91. These numbers showcase our commitment to continuous improvement.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, need assistance, or wish to share your story, our team is here to help. You can contact us anytime with concerns, compliments, or support needs. Reach out to us through our Contact Page or directly via email at [email protected].
Thank you for being a part of the BackaBuddy family. Let’s continue making a difference, one campaign at a time.
by Sanusha Shamdutt | May 31, 2024 | Campaign, Impact
Nestled in the heart of the Helderberg, Wandisa stands as a ray of hope for vulnerable children, playing a pivotal role in safeguarding their futures and nurturing them towards brighter tomorrows. This dedicated organisation is transforming lives through its unwavering commitment to child protection and family support.
A Lifeline for Vulnerable Children
Wandisa’s team of dedicated social workers intervenes in the lives of children who have been abandoned, neglected, abused, or institutionalised. With the guidance of their directors, Wandisa navigates the complexities of the legal system to secure the best outcomes for these children. Their work goes beyond crisis intervention, extending to meticulously screening and preparing foster and adoptive parents, ensuring every child finds a loving and stable home.
Support for Families in Crisis
In the past year alone, Wandisa provided critical assistance to 120 birth families, offering counselling and support during times of crisis, including pregnancies. This essential support helps families navigate difficult times and make informed decisions about their children’s futures.
Creating Loving Homes
Believing that every child deserves nurturing care until permanent plans can be made, Wandisa facilitated the safe placement of 148 children in local family homes in 2023, actively avoiding institutionalisation. Additionally, 36 children found their forever families through adoption, with 25 joining South African households and 11 overcoming extraordinary challenges to be welcomed into homes abroad.
The Heart of Wandisa: Community and Commitment
Founder and director of Wandisa Child Protection NPC, Debbie Wybrow, highlights the critical need for community support: “Children cannot pay for what they need. Over 80% of the children we serve face significant medical, physical, psycho-social, and educational hurdles. Each child we work with requires extensive and ongoing assessments to chart the best path forward.” Debbie told Bolander Lifestyle
As Child Protection Week is observed from today, Wednesday May 29 to Wednesday June 5, Wandisa’s dedication to vulnerable children is more apparent than ever. Wandisa’s Chief Operations Officer, Michelle Myburgh, along with other dedicated runners, will lace up their takkies for the Knysna Forest Marathon, ready to make every step count.
Running with Purpose: The Knysna Half Marathon
Wandisa has initiated a BackaBuddy campaign, culminating in their participation in the Knysna Half Marathon on 22 June 2024. This event underscores the urgency of their mission. “We’re hitting the pavement with purpose, driven by the belief that every child’s journey deserves to be extraordinary,” says Wandisa. “Join us in our mission to transform lives and secure brighter futures for vulnerable children.”
How You Can Help
The work Wandisa does is vital, and they need your support to continue making a difference. To support Wandisa and help pave the future for vulnerable children, visit their BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign page where they have already raised over R22 000 of their R100 000 goal with the help of 17 amazing donors. Join hands with Wandisa and make a lasting impact on the lives of vulnerable children in Helderberg.
SOURCE & IMAGE CREDITS: BOLANDER LIFESTYLE
by Sanusha Shamdutt | May 20, 2024 | Campaign, Impact
As winter approaches in the Western Cape, hikers are facing an unexpected challenge: the earlier onset of darkness. Just this past weekend, a group of hikers from Pretoria found themselves stranded on Table Mountain after dark, highlighting the importance of preparedness during this season.
A Close Call on Table Mountain
On 17 May, the Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) team responded to an emergency call from a group of hikers aged between 41 and 57. The group had taken the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway to the top and planned to hike down. Unfortunately, misguidance from a passing hiker led them towards Camps Bay. As daylight faded, they realised they were in trouble and called the WSAR emergency number (021 937 0300).
WSAR volunteers quickly located the hikers, providing them with warm clothing, food, water, and head torches to navigate back down safely. One hiker, who was particularly exhausted, was assisted down by the volunteers, demonstrating the dedication and importance of the WSAR team. By 22:40, the entire group was safely off the mountain.
“Our rescue teams responded to a similar call in Skeleton Gorge on Saturday evening after two visiting Russian hikers were left stranded after dark. Rescuers drove up the back table from Constantia Nek and hiked down to locate the two ladies. They were guided back up the trail to the vehicles and driven down to Constantia Nek. We urge all outdoor enthusiasts to take note of the earlier winter sunset times and plan accordingly. Remember to pack a torch and an extra warm layer of clothing. Most importantly, don’t wait, please Call Us Sooner – 021 937 0300,” Nel, a member of WSAR told GoodThingsGuy.
The Vital Work of WSAR
WSAR, a coalition of government agencies and civilian volunteer organisations, plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Their recent rescue efforts underscore the importance of their work, especially as winter brings shorter days and colder temperatures.
Tips to Avoid Being Caught Out After Dark
To prevent getting caught in the dark and cold, consider the following tips:
- Start Early: Begin your hike early in the day to ensure you have plenty of daylight.
- Check Sunset Times: Be aware of when the sun sets and plan to be off the mountain well before then.
- Plan Your Route: Familiarise yourself with the trail and have a map or GPS device.
- Carry Essentials: Always bring a fully charged phone, extra clothing, food, water, and a head torch.
- Stay Informed: Listen to advice from locals and experienced hikers but verify information with reliable sources.
Emergency Information
If you do find yourself in trouble, remember that rescue services in South Africa are free of charge. Save the WSAR emergency number (021 937 0300) to your phone. This number connects you to the Metro Control Centre, which will coordinate the necessary rescue or assistance.
Supporting WSAR
The lifesaving work done by WSAR is invaluable, and there are ways you can support their efforts. Consider contributing to their fund for life-saving equipment via their crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy and learn more about their mission and initiatives on their website.
Source & Image Credits: GoodThingsGuy
by Sanusha Shamdutt | May 10, 2024 | Campaign, Impact
Alex Azevedo, an 18-year-old grade 12 student at Westerford High School in Newlands, Cape Town, is a ray of resilience and determination in the dynamic world of sports.
Selected for the World Squash Federation Junior Men’s and Women’s Team and Individual Championships in Houston, Texas, USA, from July 7th to 24th, 2024, Alex’s achievement marks the culmination of a goal she set for herself five years ago.
Pictured above: Alex with her dad Hugo, mum Taryn, and twin brother Dylan
“Wow! There was such a mix of emotions. Surprise! Shock! Excitement and a few nerves. I have been working toward this goal for 5 years now, but there was a point at which it seemed to be out of reach. But, I kept training and working because I don’t quit. Making the team has made me realise that anything is possible when you put your mind to it and ignore all the obstacles. It feels a little unreal, but wow, I made it to Worlds!!” says Alex.
Alex’s journey into the game of squash began when she was just 13-years-old. Encouraged by her dad Hugo (49) who is also an avid squash player, Alex took to the game like a moth to flame and has since never looked back. Her twin brother Dylan (18) is also a Junior Provincial squash player.
As a fiercely dedicated individual, Alex demands a lot from herself and works hard to achieve her goals. She enjoys spending time with her friends relaxing when she is not training, just like every other teenager. Her current training schedule does not leave much time for hobbies, and she spends her downtime reading or watching movies. Her dream is to be selected to play for South Africa in the Olympics.
Pictured above: Alex with her good friends Amy Taylor and Lucy Paterson
Witnessing Alex’s journey are her proud parents, Taryn (47) and Hugo, who have seen firsthand the unwavering dedication, discipline, sacrifice, and resilience she has demonstrated. Through the highs and lows, including heart-wrenching losses and injuries, Alex never wavered in her pursuit. Instead, she internalized the lessons, powering through relentlessly.
“We are very proud of her determination and resilience. Alex started playing squash seriously at a later age than most of her peers and it has been tough for her to achieve her goals. She was single-minded, through losses, injuries and all the lows. We are very excited for her and know that she will make the most of this experience!” says proud mum Taryn.
Alex’s influence extends beyond the squash court. As a role model to her cousin Leila King (13) and aspiring young female squash players, she embodies the spirit of tenacity necessary to thrive in this demanding sport. Squash, characterized by its intensity and near-combative nature, has played a pivotal role in Alex’s personal development, instilling in her valuable traits such as grit, determination, stress management, strategy, respect, sportsmanship, and grace in both victory and defeat.
Pictured above: Alex and her cousin Leila King engaged in a game of squash
“It is a privilege to be seen as a role model. I think when you are fighting hard for your goals you don’t always realise the impact you can have on the next generation of players. I certainly felt inspired by role models like Alexandra Fuller and Siyoli Waters who are South African players from my province that have played on the PSA tour. I will always keep this in mind and try my hardest every time I am on court, training or competing”. Alex tells us.
For Alex, this championship not only marks the pinnacle of her junior squash career but also serves as a springboard for future opportunities. With aspirations to study at international colleges or universities such as Trinity, Dartmouth, Birmingham, and many more where she plans to study an undergraduate degree in Business Science, this milestone brings her one step closer to her ultimate dream: representing her country in the Olympics, with squash poised to make its debut in the prestigious event in 2028.
“Alex would love to have a career in squash but it is a tough sport to make a living from in South Africa. For now Alex is focussed on Worlds this year, then university and the Olympics in 2028.” says Alex’s dad Hugo.
Pictured above: Alex training for her games
However, to turn her dream into reality, Alex faces a financial hurdle. With tournament fees, flights, accommodation, kit, and other related costs looming, the family has started a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy where they have already raised over R20 000 of their R110 000 goal with the help of 13 amazing donors, to alleviate the financial strain that Alex faces.
“Being a sportsperson in South Africa is a challenge as there is little to no funding available from the government or the sports bodies to help with the costs of competing locally or internationally. Funding the expenses for a tournament like Worlds, from South Africa with our weak exchange rate is very difficult. We are grateful for the opportunity that Alex has been given and we are extremely thankful to people who are willing to support her in her incredible journey.” Taryn and Hugo tell us.
