Funding site hits R50m mark

CROWDFUNDING and fundraising platform BackaBuddy has become the first website of its kind in South Africa to raise more than R50-million for its charities and campaigns.

The popular philanthropic website reached the mark last week with the help of more than 70 000 donors who have raised money for 2 651 causes throughout the country since 2005.

Many will remember drives such as the one to raise funds for Darryn August‚ who was paralysed after he was stabbed and thrown off a moving train in Cape Town while attempting to save a pregnant woman’s life.

More than R500 000 has been raised for August, who now has hopes of competing in the paralympics.

Cody‚ the horse who was burnt in the fires that ravaged Knysna in June‚ is another popular recipient of donations gathered by BackaBuddy, which has also raised funds for numerous cancer and other ill patients‚ while also sponsoring life-changing surgeries.

BackaBuddy chief Catherine du Plooy said crowdfunding had the potential to make a huge social impact.

“By offering the service to manage funds directly‚ individuals are more open to supporting charitable causes.”

Marketing officer Zane Groenewald said the platform created an opportunity for individuals to support their passions.