People traditionally look to their government in times of need because it has the capacity to bring about the most significant change. But even with the best of intentions, any government can fail its most vulnerable citizens by taking too long to do too little. Citizens are left to fend for themselves while they wait.
However, all the activity on the online fundraising platform GivenGain shows that South Africans don’t sit around and wait for help – they take matters into their own hands!
Throughout every year, local heroes swim, cycle and run great distances, and perform other remarkable feats. Backed by the power of online fundraising, they are able to support their favourite charities quickly, easily and effectively.
Here are some of the best examples of ordinary people doing extraordinary things for the sake of their community:
Taking the plunge
Towards the end of last year, a team of 11 swimmers known as The Flying Mullets braved the choppy waters of the Zanzibar Channel with the goal of crossing the full 36 km distance. After 13 hours, they succeeded, breaking the previous record and raising R276 954 for HospiceWits in the process.
HospiceWits is a nonprofit that provides palliative care and support for South Africans with life-threatening illnesses and their families. The Flying Mullets have held several fundraising events for HospiceWits previously, but this year they decided to organise their efforts through free online fundraising platform GivenGain for the first time.
We’re excited to see what other daring fundraisers this team has planned for 2023.
One man, one bike, one continent
Children with untreated cleft conditions can sometimes develop difficulties eating, speaking, hearing, and breathing. Like many others, Daniel Meyer and Ashley Verhulp, who helped organise the campaign, believe that every child deserves to lead a happy and healthy life.
“We found ourselves asking what the nature of our personal responsibilities to the world was,” says Daniel. “After much introspective reflection and hours of discussion, we found a simple answer to our question – we both love making people smile!”
That’s why, last July, Daniel cycled 3 000 km across Europe to raise R133 708 for Operation Smile South Africa, a nonprofit that provides free life-changing surgery to underprivileged children with cleft conditions. His dedication to the cause certainly brings a smile to everyone’s faces.
Dry January
Any talk of personal responsibility would be incomplete without highlighting Tribe Sober’s successful annual fundraiser. Every January, this sobriety support group comes together to encourage members and sponsors to give up alcohol for 30 days. With the R61 350 they raised in 2022, Tribe Sober could provide a year’s worth of mindfulness and yoga sessions for kids.
And just halfway through January 2023, they once again surpassed their goal! There’s still time to make a donation to Tribe Sober’s 2023 project or start your own fundraiser to help create a healthier, alcohol-free community.
Girls supporting girls
Too many students in South Africa don’t have access to quality private education. Last September, grade 9 student Amy Macaskill set out on a 90 km walk along the Klaserie River to change that.
Amy raised R107 748 in total. Those funds will allow the Eco Children Bursary Programme to send one underprivileged young girl to Southern Cross Schools in Hoedspruit so that she can have a chance to reach her full potential.
An investment in one girl’s education is an investment in the future of South Africa. Eco Children works to develop students’ sense of social responsibility so that they can one day give back to their community – like Amy.
Your turn in 2023
Isn’t it comforting to know that your community has your back when the government can’t be relied upon? What if you could become the next local hero? There are infinite ways to do so – run a race, pledge your birthday, speedrun a video game, let donors pick your next hair colour – anything goes!
With one wide-reaching online fundraiser on GivenGain, you can contribute to something bigger than yourself. Simply create your online fundraising project for your favourite charity and you’re ready to start changing the world!
Contact the GivenGain team at [email protected] with any fundraising queries and they’ll help you get started.
