Following the excitement of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday emerges as a beacon of goodwill, marking the commencement of the charitable season when hearts turn towards holiday and end-of-year giving.
Join millions around the world on November 28, 2023, as GivingTuesday becomes a day to fuel a global celebration of generosity.
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
Get Involved with BackaBuddy:
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 neighbor, 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.
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 risen over R420 Million.
CAPE TOWN – SOUTH AFRICA – A host of South African celebs have taken up the challenge to #StepItUp for children born with clubfoot. Kicking off Disability Awareness Month, which runs from 3 November to 3 December, Britain’s Got Talent finalist Musa Motha has co-choreographed a TikTok dance routine to the sound of an original amapiano track, “I Am Possible”, by legendary local producers Dino Moran, Bee Deejay, and DJ Schuster. Paralympic Games record holder Mpumelolo Mhlongo is also running with the cause, to amplify their message: South Africa, it’s time to #StepItUp.
Pictured above: STEPS FOUNDER, KAREN MOSS WITH MPUMELELO MHLONGO
Working together with local non-profit Steps Clubfoot Care, an organisation that works to improve the lives of children born with clubfoot, aims is to raise R1-million to support the treatment of 400 children born with clubfoot, and prevent disability, through a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy.
“Every year, an estimated 11 000 children are born with clubfoot in Southern Africa. With access to the right resources and medical care, this potentially disabling condition is entirely treatable. Our ambitious goal is to ensure that no child is left untreated, by helping families who would otherwise not have access to treatment. What better way to raise awareness for this cause, than through the universal power of dance?”says Karen Moss, who founded Steps in 2005, after the successful clubfoot treatment of her own son.
Motha, whose left leg was amputated due to cancer when he was 10 years old, and Mhlongo, who was born with amniotic band syndrome (ABS) and clubfoot, were among the first to join the #StepItUp movement.
“All children born with clubfoot deserve an opportunity to walk, run, and dance. The TikTok challenge is a celebration of everything that is possible with access to the right resources – and this can only be achieved if everyone gets involved. Whether you’re a dancer or not, I challenge you to step it up for children born with clubfoot,” says Mhlongo.
“I have accepted the #StepItUp challenge, because I believe that every child should have an opportunity to say ‘I am possible’ to themselves and the world – regardless of whether they are disabled or not. This campaign is an opportunity for everybody to make a difference in the life of a child born with clubfoot,” says Motha.
The song “I Am Possible” is available for download for just R10 – but supporters are welcome to make larger donations too, through STEPS’ crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy.
“The #StepItUp campaign is about sharing a universal message of hope and inclusion. We want to make a difference in the lives of as many children as possible. A major part of this is raising awareness, which is critical to addressing stigma and getting more children into treatment. This is why we are appealing to the broader public for support,” says Moss.
Pictured above: JOIN THE NOVEMBER #STEPITUP DANCE CHALLENGE
Steps is a South African-based non-profit organisation that works to improve the lives of children born with clubfoot, focusing on advocacy, patient-centred care, and supplying clubfoot braces. Clubfoot is the most common musculoskeletal birth defect globally, in which a baby is born with one or both feet twisted downwards and inwards, in a rigid position. If left untreated, children will not be able to wear shoes or walk normally, leading to a life of disability, pain, and isolation. Unlike many other birth defects, clubfoot can be treated.
To date, STEPS has helped over 18 000 children across Southern Africa (South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland and Namibia) – with more than 4 000 currently in treatment at 38 specialist partner clinics. For more information, visit www.steps.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 risen over R420 Million.
In a world often defined by chaos and uncertainty, Trinity Van Beeck, a 16-year-old teenager from Brackenfell, carries a heart brimming with empathy and a burning desire to make a difference.
Trinity, a dedicated student at Curro Durbanville High School, currently in Grade 10, and an active member of the Cape Town Junior City Council, is on a mission to bring about significant change in her community by providing ‘Blessing Bags’ to those who need them the most.
Pictured above: Trinity Van Beeck
Trinity’s story is not merely a tale of academic achievements and her passion for chess; it’s a narrative of compassion, empathy, and unwavering determination. She’s the driving force behind “Horizons of Hope,” a project dedicated to delivering essential hygiene kits to the homeless individuals of Cape Town.
In South Africa, the issue of homelessness has reached alarming proportions, leaving countless individuals and families without stable shelter. For them, access to basic hygiene products often remains an unattainable dream, exacerbating the challenges they face in their daily lives. Trinity recognized this crisis and took it upon herself to take action.
“Horizons of Hope” stands as Trinity’s response to the pressing issue of homelessness. She passionately expresses,
“It is no secret that homelessness in South Africa has reached unprecedented levels. Despite our country’s rich cultural diversity and vast economic potential, we are also confronted with the daunting challenge of homelessness. A substantial portion of our population grapples with the harsh realities of living without a stable shelter. For these individuals and their families, obtaining access to basic hygiene products often proves to be an impossible task, further intensifying the challenges that most of us can’t even begin to imagine. ‘Horizons of Hope’ is my response to this pressing issue and the dire need for support within the homeless community. Our mission is clear: To provide essential hygiene kits to the most vulnerable members of our society.”
Each Blessing Bag, with a cost ranging between R100 and R110, contains items like toothpaste, deodorant, toothbrushes, facecloths, feminine hygiene products, wet wipes, lotion, and soap. While these may seem like everyday items to many of us, they can make a world of difference to those who lack access to them.
To finance her “Horizons of Hope” campaign, Trinity initiated a crowdfunding effort on BackaBuddy with a goal of raising R11,000 to purchase 110 bags. She has made significant progress, having raised over R3400 already, thanks to the generosity of 10 donors.
Trinity’s journey toward making a difference commenced at an exceptionally young age. Her mother, Marisa Laas, lovingly recalls,
“At only 3 years old, Trinity asked me to make a list of things she needed to give to ‘the poor people,’ this included a car, purple paint for their houses, and toys for the children. She has always been a beautiful empathetic soul with a heart for those less fortunate than herself. I am so proud to be a bystander in her journey through life.”
Pictured above: Trinity and her mom, Marisa
Trinity’s compassionate spirit and unwavering determination are truly inspiring as she strives to bring about positive change in the lives of the homeless in her community.
At the age of 12, Trinity displayed her benevolence by raising over R40,000 on BackaBuddy to assist her 11-year-old chess prodigy friend, Amahle Zenzile, from Crossroads in Cape Town, to travel to Namibia and participate in the African Youth Chess Tournament.
Trinity’s mission serves as a poignant reminder that even the smallest act of kindness can ignite a wave of positive change. She is indeed a beacon of hope in her community.
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 R420 Million.
In 2006, the Santa Shoebox Project began with a modest 180 shoeboxes in Cape Town, South Africa. Over the past 17 years, it has blossomed into an annual tradition of generosity and kindness, amassing an astonishing 1,152,587 shoebox donations. This heartwarming initiative now touches the lives of over 1,000 recipient facilities annually, employing a network of more than 60 satellites across South Africa and Namibia.
Image: Santa Shoebox Project Website
At the heart of the Santa Shoebox Project’s remarkable success is its deeply personal touch. Donors lovingly contribute essential items and delightful treats to children whose names, ages, and genders are known. These shoeboxes consist of a minimum of eight items, including a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, a washcloth, sweets, a toy, school supplies, and a new, age-appropriate outfit of clothing.
The project’s enduring success is also due to the dedication of a vast network of volunteers who selflessly donate their time, energy, and expertise without financial compensation. Additionally, it relies on the generous support of corporate sponsors who provide monetary and pro bono assistance.
Image: Santa Shoebox Project Website
Launching a Crowdfunding Campaign to Create Holiday Magic
To ensure that the magic of the holiday season reaches even more underprivileged children, the Santa Shoebox Project has initiated a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy. The campaign aims to raise R100,000 to create as many Virtual Santa Shoeboxes as possible.
The Virtual Santa Shoeboxes (VSS) are a new addition to the project, assembled by devoted teams of volunteers. These boxes are then distributed to underprivileged children living in remote areas of South Africa, where access to holiday gifts is limited. The VSS contains the same eight essential items, which bring smiles and warmth to the young faces they reach.
Image: Santa Shoebox Project Website
In addition to the essentials, the VSS may include additional sponsored items like books and teen hygiene products. These shoeboxes are meticulously packaged, delivered, and personally handed to the beneficiary child, making the experience all the more heartfelt and meaningful.
The Impact of Your Gift
Even if your purchase arrives after the current campaign’s allocations and deliveries, rest assured that your Virtual Santa Shoebox will be carried over to the following year, ensuring that it ultimately reaches a child in need. Beyond the joy these boxes bring, your support helps sustain this vital project, allowing it to continue uplifting and empowering underprivileged children throughout South Africa and Namibia.
How You Can Help
You can be a part of this holiday magic by sponsoring a Virtual Santa Shoebox for just R450. Join the Santa Shoebox Project in making this holiday season brighter for children in need. Purchase your Virtual Santa Shoebox today and experience the joy of giving.
If you are a South African resident and would like a tax-deductible receipt for your donation, please send your request to [email protected] with proof of your donation attached to your email.
It’s worth noting that BackaBuddy offers all registered non-profits raising funds on the platform a 0% platform fee, ensuring that more of your funds directly benefit charities and their beneficiaries.
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 risen over R420 Million.
In May 2022, William Sheepskin, a 27-year-old photographer from Sea Point, Cape Town, faced a life-altering diagnosis: testicular cancer. This unexpected medical journey not only tested his physical strength but also posed financial challenges that threatened to eclipse his dreams and future plans.
Image: William Sheepskin and his partner, Maya Sarembock
Maya, William’s partner of six years, a 25-year-old student pursuing a Master’s in Architecture at the University of Cape Town, shared her perspective on the daunting moment of diagnosis, saying, “There is never a good time for a cancer diagnosis. But Will’s career was gaining momentum, and I had just begun my postgraduate studies in architecture at UCT. It’s quite something to be twenty-five and twenty-seven, smacked in the face with urgent existential thoughts: What does OUR future look like? Do we want kids? Should we freeze sperm? Is Will going to die?”
Despite the emotional turmoil, William remained resilient as he prepared for a Radical Inguinal Orchiectomy, a surgical procedure to remove a testicle. However, the emotional blow struck when their fertility doctor revealed that due to cancer, William was likely permanently infertile. Their only option for future parenthood would be in vitro fertilization, a procedure they could only consider years later due to the lingering effects of chemotherapy.
Image: William and his family
The biopsy results confirmed the tumor’s malignancy, leading to a two-month recovery period after surgery. William then embarked on a course of carboplatin chemotherapy to minimize the risk of cancer spreading to vital organs. While the treatment marked a significant milestone, it was only the beginning of a tumultuous journey.
Three days after chemotherapy, William resumed remote work, determined to press on despite the challenges. Cancer didn’t deter his work ethic; it only made life more expensive. The financial strain, coupled with physical fatigue, burnout, and anxiety, continued to take a toll on his well-being. He often pushed himself to work long hours, only to face weeks of bedridden repercussions.
This cycle endured for a year, during which time William’s savings steadily diminished while he grappled with mounting medical expenses not covered by insurance.
Image: William and Maya
Amidst the challenges of dealing with what they often humorously referred to as this “ball-ache of a disease,” Maya highlighted their shared coping mechanism. She explained, “A cancer journey is an immense burden, and humor has been our way of lightening it. We’ve found that making light of the situation is a strategy that Will and I tend to turn to. People inquire about your well-being, and you respond with, ‘Yeah, everything is fine!’ even as you strive to convince yourself that it’s true.”
Determined to ease their financial burden and support William’s return to photography, Maya launched a crowdfunding campaign on Backabuddy. The campaign aimed to raise funds for medical bills, four more years of medical tests and check-ups, CT scans, fertility storage, and essential supplements that had become too expensive to maintain.
Maya’s heartfelt plea to help her partner recover read, “Most of all, I want my strong, creative, and passionate Will to enjoy his craft and offer him the time to find his footing again to make a living from his lens. I miss this Will.”
The response was overwhelming. Within a month, the campaign received support from over 1000 donors, surpassing the initial target of R140,000.00 and raising over R232,481.53. The outpouring of generosity not only alleviated financial stress but also brought renewed hope and determination to Will and Maya as they faced the ongoing challenges of his cancer journey.
Image: William Sheepskin
Maya expressed her gratitude, saying, “The support has meant that all of the stress associated with the financial burden of having cancer and going through the process of treating it has been alleviated. It also dramatically reduced the stress of being out of work for an extended period of time. Will was always tired and becoming extremely burnt out since he never had a chance to just reflect on what he’d been going through, and the BackaBuddy campaign has allowed him to start living on his own terms again instead of making decisions informed by the weight of illness.”
Now Will has been able to start taking on jobs that focus on progressing his career, rather than merely securing money. It no longer feels like cancer completely changed the way he had to make decisions about life. It’s been such a relief to see him come out of the place he was in as a result of the illness. The fundraiser was far more successful than they could ever have hoped for.
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 R420 Million.
In the midst of continued violence that has gripped the region of Israel and Gaza since October 7, a silver lining emerges as humanitarian efforts bring hope to those affected by the ongoing crisis.
Image: The Gift of the Givers
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with tens of thousands of individuals facing severe food, water, fuel, and medical supply shortages. In these challenging times, ordinary people and organizations are stepping forward to provide crucial humanitarian assistance.
A Ray of Hope
The Gift of the Givers, a renowned humanitarian organization, with a strong presence in Gaza, has mobilized its resources to support local hospitals grappling with a critical shortage of medical supplies.
Through the launch of their own crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, and with the invaluable assistance of two dedicated volunteers—Ruqaiyah Peer, a 24-year-old optometrist from East London, and Aaliya Kader, a 10-year-old girl from Johannesburg—The Gift of the Givers has successfully amassed over R250,000 on BackaBuddy, to deliver essential aid to those in dire need in Gaza. https://www.backabuddy.co.za/champion/groups/Help-Gaza
Image: The Gift of the Givers
Ruqaiyah Peer passionately underscores the urgency of the situation, stating, “Our fellow Palestinian brothers and sisters are in dire need of emergency shelter, sustenance, and medical provisions. Collaborating with The Gift of the Givers, we can make a significant impact in assisting them.”
The ongoing violence has strained healthcare facilities to their limits. Gift of the Givers has taken a multi-pronged approach, including procuring medical supplies, medicines, and wheelchairs for injured individuals. Additionally, they are funding the purchase of fuel for ambulances, which have been deliberately targeted in the conflict.
Dr. Imitaz Sooliman, the founder of the Gift of the Givers Foundation, remains hopeful for a ceasefire, stating, “We believe that there are no winners in war and there are no losers in peace. We wish not to see children in pain and mothers losing children and loved ones.”
A Beacon of Hope Amidst the Crisis
While the conflict takes a toll on the lives of many, the outpouring of compassion and generosity from individuals and organizations alike serves as a poignant reminder that humanity can shine even in the darkest of times.
Gift of the Givers Foundation, the largest disaster relief organization of African origin on the continent, has delivered over R5 billion in aid to 42 countries worldwide, including South Africa.
Press release for immediate distribution: For more information, please contact Ali Sablay – 082 651 4195- [email protected]
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 risen over R420 Million.
Image: Charity
Image: Let’s give back this #GivingTuesday
Pictured above: Challenge Participation Steps
Pictured above: STEPS Donation Information
Image: Santa Shoebox Project Website
