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.
After the excitement of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday emerges as a powerful reminder of the season’s true spirit—generosity.
On December 3, 2024, millions of people around the world will unite to celebrate this global movement of giving.
GivingTuesdaySA Video:
This powerful global phenomenon leverages social media and collaboration to inspire individuals and non-profits to engage with their communities, fostering meaningful social change. Sne Vilakazi, the Lead for GivingTuesday South Africa, emphasizes the importance of acknowledging everyday heroes who contribute to making their communities better.
“GivingTuesday provides a remarkable opportunity to encourage and celebrate our everyday heroes who do their bit to make their communities a better place. In a time when it seems like hope is getting lost because of the challenges we face as a country, it’s refreshing and inspiring to see ordinary people raising their hands to be counted as people who contribute to making a difference.” – Sne Vilakazi, GivingTuesday South Africa Lead
Launched in 2012, GivingTuesday began as a simple idea: to create a day dedicated to doing good. Over the years, it has evolved into a global phenomenon that motivates millions to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity. Asha Curran, CEO, and co-founder of GivingTuesday, underscores the impact of this movement, stating that it inspires people worldwide to drive progress around causes they care about throughout the year.
“GivingTuesday inspires people all around the world to embrace their power to drive progress around the causes they care about, not just on one day but throughout the year.” – Asha Curran, GivingTuesday’s CEO, and co-founder
Image: Charity
BackaBuddy’s December Gift: 0% Platform Fees – Launch Your Campaign This Giving Season
Last year, we’ve been inspired by the 16 million rands donors made to charities which made a real difference in 2023. To celebrate this generosity, we’re offering 0% platform fees for all new campaigns launched from 1 December to 31 December 2024. With only standard third-party payment gateway fees, every rand raised will have an even greater impact.
As #GivingTuesday on 3 December 2024 kicks off the giving season, we invite you to start a fundraiser for personal, medical, community, or charitable causes and make a meaningful difference this December.
Join BackaBuddy, South Africa’s largest donations-based crowdfunding platform, in celebrating #GivingTuesdaySA. Here’s how you can participate:
Donate to a Cause: Visit www.BackaBuddy.co.za and contribute to a cause that resonates with you.
Amplify on Social Media: Share crowdfunding campaigns on BackaBuddy’s social media pages and raise awareness for a cause you are passionate about. Use the hashtags #GivingTuesdaySA or #GivingTuesdaySouthAfrica to join the conversation.
Non-Profits and Community Organizations are encouraged to register on BackaBuddy to raise funds for various needs. Benefit from BackaBuddy’s 0% platform fee for registered non-profit organizations, ensuring that more funds go directly to the causes you serve.
Create A Crowdfunding Campaign: Individuals are encouraged to create crowdfunding campaigns on #GivingTuesdaySA to support a charity they are passionate about.
GivingTuesday invites those interested in joining the movement to visit the GivingTuesday South Africa website or connect on social media via the Facebook page.
Whether you dedicate #GivingTuesday to helping a neighbour, a charity, volunteering your time, or donating funds to a good cause, every act of generosity counts!
Image: Let’s give back this #GivingTuesday
About GivingTuesday:
GivingTuesday is the global generosity movement dedicated to transforming communities and the world through radical generosity. Born in 2012, it has evolved into a global force inspiring hundreds of millions to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity. GivingTuesday envisions a world where the catalytic power of generosity unlocks dignity, opportunity, and equity worldwide.
Image: Charity
Image: Let’s give back this #GivingTuesday