Select Page
Where Colour Heals and Community Grows: A Story of Healing Through Art and Community

Where Colour Heals and Community Grows: A Story of Healing Through Art and Community

Healing Through Art and Community

Carlee Smith (34) from Randburg, Gauteng, has always believed in the power of healing through art and community. Through her beloved art studio, Studio by Red’s Imagery, Carlee’s mission is to help others rediscover joy, self-expression, and hope – one brushstroke at a time. But when a criminal drained her savings after stealing her phone, the very space she built to heal others suddenly faced closure.

Now, thanks to her cousin Kayla Smith and the incredible outpouring of community support through a crowdfunding campaign, Carlee is seeing her own lesson come full circle: that healing and hope are often born from connection.

healing through art and community

Carlee and Kayla

A Dream Painted in Colour and Courage

For Carlee, The Studio by Red’s Imagery wasn’t just a business idea – it was a promise kept.

“The studio was born from a dream my grandmother and I once shared,” Carlee explains. “We wanted to create a space where creativity wasn’t reserved for artists, but open to everyone – a place where art could heal.”

That dream became a reality in Randburg, where Carlee transformed an empty space into a vibrant, inclusive haven for creatives of all ages. Her vision was to make art less about skill and more about freedom – from messy Splatter Room sessions to tranquil drawing classes and expressive workshops for moms and children.

“I wanted people to realise that creativity isn’t about talent, it’s about expression,” she says. “It’s about rediscovering that childlike joy of creating without fear or judgment.”

In just a year, The Studio by Red’s Imagery became a lifeline for hundreds. Artists, parents, children, and even people in recovery found in it a rare sense of belonging – a place where laughter and colour replaced the worries of the world, even just for a little while.

From Crisis to Community: When the Givers come together

But earlier this year, Carlee faced a devastating setback. When her phone was stolen, hackers gained access to her accounts and drained her savings – putting her studio’s future at risk.

Without hesitation, Carlee’s cousin Kayla Smith stepped in, launching a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy on October 10, 2025, titled “Help Keep The Studio Alive – A Home for Creatives.” The goal: R50,000 to cover operating costs while Carlee rebuilt.

“Carlee has given so much of herself to others,” Kayla shared. “This studio is more than four walls – it’s a home for creativity and connection. When she lost everything, we knew we had to rally behind her.”

In just weeks, the campaign has already raised R34,350 from 11 generous donors, proof of how deeply her work has touched lives.

For Carlee, that response has been nothing short of humbling.

“I was blown away,” she admits. “I always thought my community was small – just a handful of people who believed in what I do. But when this happened, I saw an army behind me. People fought for me when I couldn’t fight alone.”

Healing Through Colour, Connection, and Community

The studio’s heart beats strongest in its Splatter Room – a space where adults laugh like children, letting go of fear and perfectionism.

“People walk in afraid to be messy,” Carlee smiles, “and within minutes, they’re laughing, covered in paint, and rediscovering joy. That laughter gets me every time.”

healing through art and community

But The Studio isn’t just about play – it’s about healing. From Addicts Having Coffee, a powerful podcast hosted by Toni Becker that found a home in Carlee’s space, to children overcoming emotional trauma through painting, the stories born within these walls are extraordinary.

healing through art and community

Addicts Having Coffee, a powerful podcast hosted by Toni Becker

Eight-year-old art student Chelsea (name changed for privacy) joined The Studio during her parents’ divorce – a time filled with confusion and pain. Under Carlee’s gentle guidance, she found strength through art and even went on to win her school’s art competition two years in a row.

“Art became her escape,” shared Chelsea’s mom, Dr. Desrei Naidoo. “It gave her confidence, joy, and a place to belong. I have Carlee and The Studio to thank for that.”

Carlee’s compassion extends to every visitor, whether it’s a corporate professional seeking balance or someone in recovery rediscovering purpose. As Toni Becker describes it,

“Carlee’s studio is a real haven for healing. It’s calm, grounding, and alive with hope. Every guest who’s come here has felt safe and seen.”

Colouring the Future with Hope

Despite the hardship, Carlee continues to paint her story with resilience.

“I promised myself I’d never see the world as working against me,” she reflects. “Even when this happened, I chose to see it as a test of how deeply I wanted to live my purpose.”

She hopes that her journey – and the ongoing campaign – inspire others to take that first brave step toward healing or creativity.

“Healing doesn’t always start with big steps,” she says softly. “Sometimes, it starts with something simple – picking up a brush or trying something new. Creativity connects us, and connection saves lives.”

For Carlee, the dream remains the same: to keep The Studio’s doors open as a home for connection, colour, and creative courage. And thanks to her community – and strangers moved by her story – that dream is within reach once more.

Stand with Carlee

Carlee’s story is one of hope, resilience, and the power of art to unite people. Her journey reminds us that even in the darkest moments, creativity can be a light – and that communities thrive when they stand together.

To support Carlee, visit her BackaBuddy campaign link here:
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/help-keep-the-studio-alive-a-home-for-creatives

Together, we can help keep the colours of hope alive – one brushstroke, one act of kindness, and one donation at a time, so Carlee’s vision of healing through art and community continues to thrive.

Durban’s Young Chess Champion, Shreeya (15), Is Ready to Represent SA on the Global Stage

Durban’s Young Chess Champion, Shreeya (15), Is Ready to Represent SA on the Global Stage

At just 15 years old, Shreeya Mahadeo from Malvern, Queensburgh in Durban, is proving that determination, discipline, and heart can take you far beyond the chessboard. Since first picking up a pawn in 2018, she has risen to become one of KwaZulu-Natal’s top female players in her age group.

This year alone, Shreeya has reached extraordinary milestones — earning the Woman Regional Master (WRM) title in June, being crowned Junior Female Player of the Year at the inaugural KZN Chess Awards in August and representing provincial teams with distinction. Now, she has her eyes set on an even bigger goal: flying the SA flag at the Commonwealth Chess Championship in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 8–17 November 2025.

But to get there, she needs help. Her family has launched a BackaBuddy campaign to raise R80,190 to cover her flights, accommodation, entry fees, and related expenses.

From Ballet Shoes to a WRM Title

“Shreeya is our daughter (pride and joy) — and not just a child, but truly our everything, inspiration, and the most determined person we know,” her parents shared. “We’ve had the privilege of watching her grow from a seven-year-old ballerina to picking up a chess pawn for the first time to becoming a Chess SA Woman Regional Master and one of KZN’s top female players in her age group.”

Her parents describe the journey as a family effort: “Being her parent means being her biggest supporter, her chauffeur to countless weekend tournaments, and her sounding board after both triumphs and tough losses.” Beyond the trophies, they say, Shreeya’s story is about “dedication, grit, resilience, and compassion — especially in how she uses her talent to raise awareness for causes like Parkinson’s South Africa or inspiring young female chess players locally.”

For Shreeya, mindset is as sharp as any tactic on the board. “My hard work, dedication and consistency are the driving force behind my success. Your biggest fear and opponent will always be looking back at you in the mirror.”

That mindset paid off in 2025: winning the WRM title, sweeping nominations at the KZN Chess Awards, and taking home the title of Junior Female Player of the Year. “I was shocked and humbled to receive nominations in all three categories,” she says. “Winning confirmed that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.”


A Balanced Life — and a Giving Heart

Away from the board, Shreeya lives a full life. A Grade 10 learner, she loves reading, sketching, painting and drawing, and enjoys anime marathons or reflex-testing PlayStation games with her golden retriever, Ziggy, at her side.

“Chess is my passion, but it isn’t my master,” she says. Her parents echo that: “She views life like a chessboard where balance is the ultimate strategy. A champion needs both a sharp mind and a rich, happy childhood.”

At school, she participates in Marimba, Art and Film Club, Photography Club, Entrepreneur Club, Culture Kudos and Squash. She dedicates her community service hours to projects like Paw Prints Rescue and Rehoming, the ‘Pass the Panties’ campaign, Highway Hospice, and Anchor of Hope.

“These experiences have reaffirmed that as young females we are empowered to make a difference in our communities,” she says.

Shreeya also excels at SMART Mental Arithmetic, a Japanese mental maths technique she has studied since 2019. Over the years, she has stacked up a record of victories: Champion of Champions at KZN Regional Championships in 2019, 2021 and 2024, gold in 2022, champion in 2023; at AMSASA Nationals she earned silver (2020 & 2021), champion (2022), bronze (2023) and Champion of Champions again in 2024 and 2025. She even claimed international silver at the AIAMA Championships in 2020.

It’s a reflection of her work ethic that extends far beyond chess.

The Road to Malaysia — and Why Support Matters

Shreeya’s path hasn’t been without heartbreak. Earlier this year, she qualified for both the World Youth Rapid & Blitz Championships in Greece and the African Schools Championships in Kenya but couldn’t attend because of funding.

“We unfortunately missed two international events this year because of funding,” her dad explains. “She doesn’t just play; she commits. These achievements aren’t luck. Every cent raised tells her that her dreams are possible and that the community is behind her.”

Now, the family is determined to ensure she doesn’t miss her chance again. “Representing South Africa means standing on the world stage and saying that our players — especially young women — are a force to be reckoned with,” Shreeya says. “I want to raise the flag high for my family, school and community — and make them proud.”

Her mother, Sash, will accompany her to Malaysia as guardian and support system. “A chess tournament is like a marathon, not a sprint,” Shreeya explains. “My mum is my backbone and cheering squad — she keeps me fed, hydrated and rested.” Her coach will continue guiding her preparation, while her father, Sebastian, will cheer from home as her “strength and voice of reason.”

To reach Kuala Lumpur, the family needs R80,190 for flights, accommodation, Chess SA fees, player registration, uniforms and sundries. Shreeya’s father says she has mapped her dreams in her journal and checks them daily: “Even if a tournament doesn’t end with a medal, the lessons always count.”

Or, in Shreeya’s own words, quoting her favourite anime hero Izuku Midoriya: “I can’t afford to fall behind. I’ll be going for it with everything I have.”

To support Shreeya Mahadeo, visit her BackaBuddy campaign link here:
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/commonwealth-chess-shreeyas-journey-to-malaysia

Pretoria Teen’s Matric Dance Wish Sparks an Outpouring of Generosity

Pretoria Teen’s Matric Dance Wish Sparks an Outpouring of Generosity

Pretoria, South Africa (19 September 2025) – When 19-year-old Arthur Mathebula from Pretoria West, Gauteng, launched a BackaBuddy campaign on 15 September to attend his Matric Dance, he asked for just R2,500 to cover his ticket, outfit, and a few expenses. What followed became a story of generosity that captured the hearts of thousands of South Africans.

Now, Arthur has shared his first update — and the impact goes far beyond the dance floor.

From R0 to R19,000 in Days

Arthur’s campaign began quietly, with few donations at first. But everything changed when x-user Paballo Maseko came across his appeal and decided to share it with her followers. Her post encouraged South Africans to step in, and within hours, Arthur’s modest goal was met and exceeded.

Donations poured in, ranging from R20 and R50 to larger contributions of R500 and R1,000. By 19 September, 162 donors had given more than R19,000, ensuring Arthur could attend his Matric Dance, while giving him so much more.

Supporters left heartfelt words alongside their donations, including:

  • “I don’t have much but I hope this helps. All the best boyza.

  • “Enjoy the dance. Try to save some money for future endeavours. Remember, the world is full of kind people.”

  • “For iMcFlurry after matric dance.”

     

     

Arthur’s First Update

In his first campaign update, Arthur expressed his deep gratitude:

“I am truly overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible support I’ve received through BackaBuddy. When I started this campaign, I honestly didn’t know what to expect, but thanks to the kindness of so many generous people, I was able to raise over R10,000. This has given me the boost I needed to pay my school fees and continue my studies at Hoërskool Pretoria-Wes.”

Beyond his school fees, Arthur says the support also made it possible for him to attend his Matric Dance alongside his classmates.

“Being able to celebrate this moment with my classmates is something I never imagined would happen, and it’s all thanks to you.”

More Than Just a Dance

For Arthur, the campaign has brought more than financial relief — it has given him renewed hope for the future.

“Before this, I often felt stuck and unsure if I would ever make it, but your generosity has reminded me that I am not alone,” he shared. “Each donation, no matter the size, has changed my life in ways words can hardly express. I will carry this kindness with me and hopefully pay it forward one day.”

His story is a reminder of how powerful we are when we stand together. A single share inspired hundreds of people to rally behind Arthur and united they made a tangible difference in his life. 

If you’d like to further support Arthur, his BackaBuddy campaign is still open to donation:
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/matric-dance-support~2

Want impact stories and top crowdfunding tips? Sign up for our newsletter and join our community!

Limpopo Doctor Leads Effort to Help Man Living with 10-Year Keloid Find Hope for Healing

Limpopo Doctor Leads Effort to Help Man Living with 10-Year Keloid Find Hope for Healing

Dr Ephraim Kgoete (33) from Limpopo is raising funds for 43-year-old Petros Malepe, who has lived with a severe keloid on his chin for more than a decade. Thanks to the Khayalami Health Foundation and the kindness of strangers, a life-changing surgery is finally within reach.

A Journey of Pain and Perseverance

For more than 10 years, Petros Malepe from Ga-Manoke, Burgersfort in Limpopo, has carried the physical and emotional weight of a large keloid stretching from his chin. The condition has not only caused discomfort but has also stolen much of his confidence and limited his ability to pursue work or meaningful relationships.

“Petros has been unable to pursue stable work opportunities because of the visible nature of his condition and the stigma surrounding it. This has deeply affected his self-confidence and his ability to form and maintain personal relationships.” shares Dr Kgoete.

Despite years of moving in and out of hospitals without lasting help, Petros’ resilience and faith kept him going. “At times he felt like giving up,” Dr Kgoete explains, “but the kindness of strangers has given him hope where he once had none.”

Now, through the efforts of the Khayalami Health Foundation, Petros’ story has reached thousands of South Africans who are rallying to give him the gift of healing.

“Petros will require surgery to remove the massive keloid, followed by radiotherapy and continued medical treatment to prevent it from growing back. At this stage, it is crucial because the condition is worsening, and without intervention, his quality of life will continue to decline,” says Dr Kgoete.



Meeting Through Social Media

Dr Ephraim Kgoete, a general medical practitioner affectionately known as Dr Macutcut or Dr Ya Batho, first came across Petros’ case on TikTok.

“I first became aware of Mr. Malepe’s case through TikTok, where he had shared his struggles with his condition,” he recalls. “After learning about his story, I reached out to him directly, and from there, Khayalami Health Foundation began assisting him with support and guidance.”

Moved by Petros’ courage and the years he endured without meaningful intervention, Dr Kgoete launched a BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign on 15 July 2025 to cover the cost of surgery, hospitalisation, radiotherapy, and ongoing emotional support.

“I was deeply moved by his story. Supporting him was not just about treating a medical condition — it was about restoring dignity and hope,” he says.

Community Kindness Turns into Action

Since its launch, the campaign has drawn incredible generosity. More than 26 donors have already contributed over R26,000 towards the R70,000 target. The funds will cover surgery to remove the keloid, radiotherapy to reduce the chance of regrowth, medication, and psychological care to help Petros rebuild his life.

“The urgency is very high,” stresses Dr Kgoete. “The keloid is not only disfiguring but also carries risks of infection, bleeding, and increasing disability. If left untreated, his suffering will worsen, and his chances of recovery will diminish significantly.”

For Petros, every donation is a reminder that he is not alone. “Every contribution, no matter how small, is a step toward changing my life, and I am truly thankful,” he says.

Through the Khayalami Health Foundation, Dr Kgoete has dedicated his career to helping those who often fall through the cracks of the public healthcare system.

“Community support bridges the gap where public healthcare falls short,” he explains. “It reminds patients like Petros that they matter, and that their future is worth fighting for.”

 

For Petros, the campaign is more than just a fundraiser — it is the first real chance at reclaiming his life after years of stigma, neglect, and isolation. 

To support Petros, visit his BackaBuddy campaign link here:
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/surgery-drive-fundraiser-for-mr-petros-malepe

Want impact stories and top crowdfunding tips? Sign up for our newsletter and join our community!

 

 

Women’s Month run unites Cape Town moms for beloved teacher fighting breast cancer

Women’s Month run unites Cape Town moms for beloved teacher fighting breast cancer

Zanele Princess Mrasi (45) from Cape Town (Western Cape) is the warm-hearted nursery teacher inspiring a city to lace up during Women’s Month. Diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer on 11 June 2025 at Mitchells Plain Hospital, she is meeting the moment with grace and grit while her school community launches “Miles for Ms Mrasi” — a 21 km Gun Run and a 5 km walk — to raise funds for transport, nutritious meals, and care for her teenage son during treatment at Groote Schuur Hospital. The campaign, started on 28 July 2025 by one of the moms, has already raised R78,000 from 69 donors toward a R100,000 goal — a Women’s Month reminder that when women move together, they move mountains.

A Teacher Who Builds a Second Home

Ask any little girl in her class and she’ll tell you: “Miss Mrasi’s classroom feels like home.” That’s by design.

“For me, teaching is about creating a safe space where students feel valued, capable, and supported,” Zanele says. “I’ve always believed in the transformative power of education — I wanted to be that source of encouragement for someone else.”

Her path to that classroom wasn’t easy. Born in Mnyamanzane village near Butterworth, she moved to Cape Town at nine, studied Early Childhood Development, and worked her way from assistant to teacher while raising her son, Sethu, now 19. When Sethu needed specialised support for learning differences, she paused her own degree to stand beside him. Years later, she completed her studies and, in 2022, became a nursery teacher at one of Cape Town’s most prestigious schools.

“It’s true that when you really want something, it’s never too late,” she says. “It takes a village — and I’m grateful for mine.”

Strength is a through-line in Zanele’s life. A devoted Christian and church leader, she mentors young women through the Young Women’s Manyano and helps run Sunday School. She is also a single mother, proudly supporting Sethu as he writes his matric exams and steps into manhood.

In her classroom, Zanele greets children in isiXhosa, sprinkles in songs in English and Afrikaans, and is often found on the carpet with one child curled into her lap and others gathered around. Parents use one word over and over:

“happy.” As one mom shared, “She speaks with calm kindness, makes even the smallest task feel meaningful, and is never too busy for a cuddle.”

When the Community Laces Up for Women’s Month

The diagnosis arrived on a busy school day.

“I was devastated,” Zanele recalls. “I kept asking, ‘Why me?’ But I knew I had to be strong for my son and my girls at school.”

“My sisters and family have been my rock,” she says. “My colleagues and the parents at school remind me I’m not alone.”

Her colleagues and the moms of her class didn’t hesitate to answer that strength with their own.

“Somewhere between the chatting and the running, it just clicked — we should run in her name to rally support,” says one of the moms behind the campaign. “Within minutes, moms were entering the Gun Run, pencilling in training days, and planning coffee dates. One message turned into a movement.”

What began with two runners swelled into a small army of moms jogging the 21 km and others walking 5 km, with the children dreaming up a solidarity walk of their own. With Zanele’s blessing, the crowdfunding page went live — and donations poured in, many carrying messages as generous as the amounts.

“The response has been overwhelming,” she adds. “In the first 72 hours, we nearly hit our initial target. It reminded us that a school is a second family.”

This surge of solidarity lands in August, South Africa’s Women’s Month — held in honour of the 1956 march to the Union Buildings. “Wathint’ Abafazi, wathint’ imbokodo” — You strike a woman, you strike a rock — now echoes in trainers and race bibs, in packed lunchboxes for hospital days, and in the steady love of a community carrying one of its own. On National Women’s Day, 9 August, families across the school shared notes of encouragement with Zanele, a living lesson for the girls about courage, compassion and collective action.

Faith, Family and an Unshakable Why

The campaign is intentionally practical: funds are being used for transport to and from hospital, nutritious food to support recovery, and care for Sethu while his mom undergoes treatment — everyday costs that cancer magnifies.

“Because of your support I can focus on treatment without the constant worry,” Zanele says. “Your kindness inspires me every day, and I look forward to giving back.”

This run of love is becoming a bridge back to the classroom that so dearly misses her. The total isn’t just a number; it represents steady steps through treatment toward the moment when children once again run into her arms. It steadies a family so a son can finish matric with his mother cheering from the sidelines. And it reminds an entire country — especially during Women’s Month — that ordinary steps taken together can rewrite a difficult chapter.

Before the final kilometre, there’s a simple invitation: join them. Share this story with someone who needs a little hope today. Donate if you can. Help carry Zanele Princess Mrasi through this chapter with dignity, love, and strength — step by step, back to the happy, singing classroom she built for so many.

In Their Own Words — A few Messages from the Girls

— Asma: “I miss Ms Mrasi. I love her because she taught us isiXhosa songs. The songs and dancing were so funny — they’re my favourite memory.”

— Ivy: “My favourite thing was when she gave us bee stickers on our birthdays. She plays with us so we feel safe. I also like how she teaches us isiXhosa.”

— Ava: “My favourite thing about Ms Mrasi is her lovely snuggles. On Wednesday in the old Busy Bee class she told us a story in a funny voice. She’s the best. Ms Mrasi, when are you coming back to school? I miss you and I love you.”

(These are just three of the messages — watch the video to hear more of what makes Ms Mrasi so special.)

To support Zanele Princess Mrasi visit their BackaBuddy campaign link here:
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/miles-for-ms-mrasi

Want impact stories and top crowdfunding tips? Sign up for our newsletter and join our community!

Women’s Month Drive Turns Shoes, Meals, and Roofs into Hope for Gatjie Kids

Women’s Month Drive Turns Shoes, Meals, and Roofs into Hope for Gatjie Kids

In July and August 2025, Nikita Van Rensburg (32) and her brother, Ricki Van Rensburg (38) rallied support for the Gatjie settlement (Cape Town) with a winter shoe drive and a follow-on crowdfunding initiative that is already changing daily life. The first drive launched on 17 July 2025, raising R21,500 and—together with sponsors—turning a hired hall into a day of dignity with hot meals and brand-new sneakers for children who’d been walking barefoot through winter mud. On 18 August 2025, she launched a second recurring donations campaign that has raised R22,500 so far toward a R200,000 goal to keep food on the table and repair leaking shacks. In total, 18 donors have given across both campaigns, including two anonymous R10,000 donations in the first three days, and many more partners have contributed goods, time, and heart. A surprise video call from Springbok captain Siya Kolisi on the day of the shoe drive also became a powerful spark for courage and belonging for the community of Gatjie. 

A legacy of love, carried forward

“In 2018, my mom started handing out hot meals on a field in Diep River,” Nikita says. “She built deep relationships with the Gatjie community—hosting Christmas parties and fundraising for school supplies. She loved them, and they loved her back.”


When their mom passed away from a brain tumor, Nikita and Ricki promised to carry that legacy forward. The promise quickly turned into action: before a recent storm, they replaced roofs on a handful of shacks using their own funds.

“One elderly husband stepped inside to see the dry floor and collapsed, sobbing with relief. I’ll never forget that,” she recalls.


That moment—simple, human, unforgettable—captures the heartbeat of the campaign: practical love that keeps families warm, dry, and fed. It’s also why gestures like Siya Kolisi’s call matter so much—seeing a national captain show up for Gatjie tells every child their story is worth showing up for, too.

The August shoe drive answered an urgent need. Through a contact at Adidas, more than 80 pairs of brand-new sneakers arrived. New Balance added R10,000 and three pairs of socks per person—hundreds of pairs—so feet would stay warm and dry on muddy footpaths. With the funds raised online and meals donated locally, the team fitted little feet, served steaming plates, and reminded families that they are seen. All content and photographs from the shoe-drive event were captured and donated pro bono by Cape Town creative Ramon Mellett (Instagram: @ramonmellett).

“Some kids cried with happiness,” Nikita says. “One boy keeps his shoes in the box after school, so they stay nice.”

From shoes to shelter and supper

Shoes were the start, not the finish line. Cape Town’s winter rains turn thin, rusted roofs into sieves; mattresses, blankets, and clothing stay wet for days.

“We’ve made a priority list of homes needing repairs,” Nikita explains. “It costs about R2,500 to replace a roof, and some homes just need patchwork.”


Food is another urgent need. When storms close soup kitchens, children go to bed hungry.

“I’ll never forget a 3-year-old dipping her lollipop in water and saying it made her feel more full—because that day, they could only afford the lollipop.”


The plan now is year-round: provide meals, fix roofs, and host regular kids’ days filled with play, learning, and love—safe spaces where children can simply be children. The funds raised will go directly to food, clothing and blankets, and the materials and labour needed to repair shacks so families can sleep without fear that the roof will collapse.


 

Women’s Month, dignity and dreams

This Women’s Month, the work took on special meaning. On the day of the shoe handout, the children received a surprise video call from Springbok captain Siya Kolisi. He spoke courage into a young boy who’d been bullied; that night the child told his mom he was going to dream about meeting his hero. Even one of the bully’s moms came forward to apologise afterwards.

“The kids kept asking why Siya would speak to them,” Nikita says. “They need to know they matter—that where they come from isn’t something to be ashamed of.”


Girls also left with more than footwear.
The Cora Project joined to run a pad drive and a powerful conversation about periods, confidence, and choice. They offered discreet bags for carrying pads—yet several girls chose to walk out holding their pads in hand, proudly. For Nikita, moments like these echo her mother’s heart: show up, feed people, and restore dignity.

Why this campaign matters now
Gatjie is a small settlement with big hearts—and daily hurdles. Without sturdy shoes, children slog through sand and mud just to reach communal toilets; without intact roofs, families take turns sleeping for fear of collapse. Hunger makes it hard to learn; lacking basics erodes confidence. And yet the resilience is unmistakable.

“You can show up with nothing but yourself,” Nikita says, “and the kids will run to you for hugs.” Her long-term hope is clear: “I want to see at least one child from Gatjie grow up, leave the settlement, and be able to support their family. We can get there with nutrition, school supplies, sport, and connection.”


How you can help

Every contribution stretches far: R2,500 can put a dry roof over a family; any amount helps fund weekly meals, clothing and blanket drops, and the next kids’ day. Corporate partners can donate shoes, socks, roofing materials, or food. Volunteers can cook, deliver, mentor—or simply show up. To connect about goods or time, reach Nikita on Instagram at @triggrGood. If you want to give right now, both campaign pages are live:

the winter shoe drive here: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/winter-shoe-drive-for-the-gatjie-kids and the ongoing support drive here: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/helping-the-gatjie-community-together.

In just weeks, these efforts have raised R31,500 in cash—plus generous in-kind donations—and built a blueprint for hope that is practical, personal, and profoundly local. It looks like a dry mattress, a warm bowl of food, a pair of laces tied tight—and a child who believes tomorrow can be better than today.



If you’ve ever wondered what Ubuntu means—this is it. And this initiative is calling on the African spirit, and you, to climb on board and get involved.

Make your recurring donation here: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/helping-the-gatjie-community-together
—Please also share this story. The more people who know, the more children we can keep warm, fed, and safe—and of course, keep more toes warm this winter.

Want impact stories and top crowdfunding tips? Sign up for our newsletter and join our community!