You’ve changed lives, sparked hope, and inspired a nation – all through the power of kindness. This year alone, the Good Things Guy community has donated millions, proving that together, we can make the impossible happen.
Johannesburg, South Africa (20 November 2024) – Can I take a second to share something truly incredible? Today, like most days, I am bursting with pride over what Good Things Guy has become and endlessly grateful for this amazing community. The kindness you continue to show is heartwarming and so inspiring.
Every single day, we get to share stories that lift spirits, change perspectives, bring hope, spark laughter, and even inspire real change.
That’s the magic of this platform – and it’s all because of YOU.
We receive hundreds of submissions daily: stories about corporate CSI projects, heartwarming moments from South Africans celebrating their neighbours, and passionate individuals sharing their causes. And then there are the tags – so many tags – pointing us to the beautiful stories spreading online.
But there’s another side to what we do, a side I often speak about.
The need in South Africa is vast. The messages about struggles and challenges never stop. In fact, they’ve grown alongside our good news. We’ve worked hard to connect people in need with organisations that can help – and you’ve stepped up in the most extraordinary ways.
We’ve even built an extensive charity list on our site that changes lives daily. And while we tread a fine line between sharing these stories and avoiding donor fatigue, you’ve shown up every single time.
This year alone, YOU – this incredible community – have opened your hearts and wallets, donating millions of rands to the people and causes we’ve shared. I’m talking millions and millions. Not to us – we’ll never ask for your money – but directly to the people who needed a little help.
And you’ve done the unimaginable.
You’ve brought new smiles to little ones.
You’ve planted food gardens and built toilets for schools.
You’ve helped rhinos find safety and sanctuary.
You’ve supported countless cancer patients with life-saving medicine.
You’ve sponsored athletes chasing Olympic dreams.
You’ve stepped up for people like Tom London and Alison Botha, as well as thousands of others whose names might not have reached mainstream media.
You’ve packed hundreds of thousands of Santa Shoeboxes, spreading joy to children in need.
You’ve helped stranded tourists find safety.
You’ve given the gift of sight to those in need.
You’ve donated blood – the ultimate gift of life.
You’ve rolled up your sleeves to clean beaches, rivers, and parks.
You’ve run, walked, and moved for incredible causes.
And that’s just a few stories we wrote in 2024 that I can remember this morning… just a glimpse! There are so, so many more.
So why am I telling you this?
Well, this week, we shared the story of Kathryn Powell, who survived a life-changing leopard attack in 2022. Kathryn needed a surgery costing R100,000 but faced a shortfall of R40,000. Within just 24 hours of sharing her story, not only did donations meet the goal – they surpassed it! I got the message last night, and contributions are still coming in.
When I say that you’ve donated millions and millions of rands this year alone, I’m not exaggerating.
You’ve shown up in ways I never imagined, and for that, I am forever grateful.
And let me just say this: please don’t think for a second that small donations don’t matter. I see those R10 and R20 donations on crowdfunding pages. Those smaller amounts create the biggest waves. It all adds up.
So, from the bottom of my heart – thank you. Thank you for being the absolute bladdy best.
All my love and gratitude.
Okay, Love you. Bye.
by 