80,000 people from around the world helped support South African causes to the tune of over R 71.4 Million this year; the funds helped change lives!
South Africa (20 December 2021) – South Africans have had a really tough time since the pandemic started. Many lost jobs or loved ones, others lost their businesses or their homes. Almost everyone has needed a helping hand in one way or another, from financial support to emotional support and more.
To make things easier, those who could spare anything gave generously. This is clearer than ever before, with BackaBuddy sharing its latest stats.
80,000 people from around the world helped support South African causes to the tune of over R 71.4 Million this year. Both charities and individual causes were the recipients of the support.
Speaking to BackaBuddy, we learned that a total of 4191 crowdfunds were started in 2021. Aside from local donors, donors from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, and Canada were the most popular. This means campaigns were globally recognised.
“With the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen an increase in the number of individuals, and non-profit organisations, in need of support as so many livelihoods and institutions have been affected in one way or another.
In these difficult and unprecedented times, those in need lean into the open arms of their communities for understanding, compassion and financial support.” – Zane Groenewald – BackaBuddy Marketing & Public Relations Manager
We shared several campaigns in 2021. These are some of the incredible ones that you helped contribute to.
George Phontshe Peni
71-year-old George will be able to retire thanks to a successful campaign to cover his retirement. The fund was started by Michelle Nel, who had grown close to ‘Uncle George’.
Michelle’s original goal was to raise R50,000, but the story touched so many hearts that she was able to raise over R80,000.
Romario Valentine
Romario turned 10-years-old this year, and to mark the occasion, he launched a crowdfund to support the causes closest to his heart. Romario has been working to change the world, all from his home in Durban.
He planted 455 trees and hosted 180 beach clean-ups. For his 10th birthday, he raised funds for Acacia trees to be planted in the Segera, Kenya, via Zeitz Foundation.
Kei’s Medical Expenses
Kei the Malinois cross showed she is much more than just man’s best friend when she took on a violent armed robber despite being shot in the face, saving her owners’ lives in an extraordinary act of bravery.
A crowdfund was launched to cover her medical expenses, which were estimated at around R60,000. The costs were then covered by dotsure , so the family were able to use the funds raised through the crowdfund to donate to the SPCA, where they adopted her.
Shadrack Kuchale
Shadrack, a father of two, was the victim of an armed robbery that left him paralysed. While in hospital, the Angel Network launched a crowdfund to support his recovery. R200,000 was raised in 4 days, and before long, R 337 287.39 was reached. The goal is to raise R500,000.
The team at the Angel Network is crowdfunding to take care of the costs for trauma counselling, physical therapy, a specialised wheelchair, rent, home improvements, food, school fees, nappies, medication etc.
Shadrack has a long journey ahead of him, but with the support coming from across South Africa, he will have the very best tools to work on his recovery.
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