When Fourways Review first told Lovemore Robson’s story, the response from the Fourways community was slow.

Robson, the familiar face often seen sweeping sidewalks and cleaning public spaces through his Live Life Always Foundation, had reached out for help to cover urgent medical bills for his father, who is battling skin cancer in Zimbabwe.

Read more: The Lovemore Foundation spreads holiday cheer and looks to a bright future

At the time, he had only raised R650 of the R18 000 he needed. The little response has even got to him.

“I’m feeling like people disowned me. I mean, I’m always cleaning up Fourways and volunteering. I am desperately in need of my community to assist me because it is that time of need for me.”

The turning point came when Fourways Review provided Robson with information on how to set up a BackaBuddy account, a platform he said he hadn’t known it existed.

“Without that knowledge, I wouldn’t be where I am today. The paper is doing exactly what it set out to do: inform the public and give us the information we need.”

Shortly after the campaign was published in a follow up story, it gained traction with Robson also sharing it to the broader community.

Thanks to the community rallying behind him. Robson’s fundraising goal was reached and even exceeded, collecting R18,500.

“Every time I get a call from the paper, I get so excited and a bit of a sigh of relief because now I know I have the money to help my dad,” Robson said. “He needs to be operated on, and I’m grateful that he is going to get that.”

Also read: Fourways cleaner thankful for funds raised to help father battle skin cancer, but more is needed

He said the BackaBuddy account continues to support additional needs, including transportation for Robson to travel home and for his father’s care.

Despite the ongoing challenges, Robson says he is overjoyed by the community’s support. “I am so happy for the support from the community, and my dad, too, is happy and grateful.”

To assist Robson with ongoing support for transportation and care, contact him at 084 757 992. [INSERT Links: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/please-save-my-dad
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/please-save-my-dad]

To start a BackaBuddy account, in case you did not know, visit backabuddy.co.za, click “Login / Register,” fill in your details (name, email, password), agree to the terms, and then check your email for a verification link to activate your profile and start your first campaign.

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