The aim of the campaign is to raise funds that will empower doctors, nurses and medical staff across South Africa. It strives to provide the supplies and equipment needed for those in the medical field to carry out their work.

"The aim of the campaign is to support high-risk medical professionals on the front line dealing with infected patients and the patients themselves. [It will provide protective equipment, ventilators and other essential supplies in the quest to preserve life," says Imtiaz Sooliman, founder of Gift of the Givers.

"Right now, there is no emergency but preparing in advance to support overburdened government health facilities is a reasonable approach in the interests of all South Africans," adds Sooliman. "The funds raised will be allocated as mentioned, and if we can escape unscathed, then they will still be directed to upgrading emergency services."

To support the campaign, Vula Mobile, a network of over 11 000 health professionals in South Africa have come on board to help identify the areas in need of support so that funds can be directed where they are most needed.

Since the launch of the crowdfunding campaign on Saturday, 14 of March, a total of R3 485.97 has already been raised. This includes contributions from seven donors both locally and abroad. By supporting the campaign, donors qualify for a Section 18A tax certificate issued by The Gift of The Givers.

"Our reason-for-being at BackaBuddy is to enable communities of people to come together to do something positive," says Patrick Schofield, the CEO of BackaBuddy. "In the face of COVID-19, we want to help build a movement of people who support the Doctors, nurses and medical staff treating those who fall ill."

"This pandemic is bigger than any ideology; we need to stand together as a nation, private, corporate and government to give us the best chance we have of containing the pandemic in South Africa," concludes Schofield. 

Individuals are encouraged to support The Gift of The Givers in fighting the coronavirus by making a donation on BackaBuddy.

For more information, visit www.backabuddy.co.za. You can also follow BackaBuddy on Facebook, Twitter or on Instagram.