Obesity Community Fund

16/03/2026

Impact you can see.

9 patients have already received support through the Obesity Community Fund.

And with the support of our community, many more lives can be changed.

10/03/2026

The Obesity Community Fund has reached an important moment — the first patient whose bariatric surgery was fully funded by the community itself.

This shows what is possible when people support each other on the journey to better health.

Read the story here:

09/03/2026

Today marks a big milestone for the Obesity Community Fund!

For the first time, a patient’s surgery has been fully funded by our community members themselves – without the need for external donations or sponsorships.

This is what collective impact looks like. Together we are changing lives. We couldn’t be more excited!

For more information on how to become a member visit our website for more details www.obesitycommunityfund.co.za

06/03/2026

We are looking for passionate volunteers — including patients, family members, friends, and professionals — who care deeply about serving people living with obesity. These are voluntary roles requiring approximately 4 – 8 hours per month.

Please note: These positions are entirely voluntary. They are not paid roles, and no funds are available for remuneration or stipends.

Treasurer
Oversee the financial health of the Fund with the trustees and the accounting staff. Responsibilities include tracking income and expenses, assisting with budgeting, preparing basic financial reports for the board, and ensuring financial transparency and compliance.

Your commitment
• Approximately 4 - 8 hours per month doing the portfolio activities
• 1 quarterly online board meeting to report progress and plan the next quarter
• Fully voluntary roles (no remuneration or financial compensation)
• Remote contribution is possible for these roles and we prefer a national and demographical representation for our volunteer organisation

If you would like to serve, please email: mari@obestitycommunityfund.co.za
Subject line: OCF Volunteer Application
Together, we can mobilise resources, challenge stigma, and expand access to care.

04/03/2026

We are looking for passionate volunteers — including patients, family members, friends, and professionals — who care deeply about serving people living with obesity. These are voluntary roles requiring approximately 4 – 8 hours per month.

Please note: These positions are entirely voluntary. They are not paid roles, and no funds are available for remuneration or stipends.

Your commitment
• Approximately 4 - 8 hours per month doing the portfolio activities
• 1 quarterly online board meeting to report progress and plan the next quarter
• Fully voluntary roles (no remuneration or financial compensation)
• Remote contribution is possible for these roles and we prefer a national and demographical representation for our volunteer organisation

If you would like to serve, please email: mari@obestitycommunityfund.co.za
Subject line: OCF Volunteer Application
Together, we can mobilise resources, challenge stigma, and expand access to care.

02/03/2026

We’re calling for passionate volunteers to join the Obesity Community Fund — a patient-led non-profit improving access to evidence-based obesity care in South Africa. Roles suit patients, family members, friends and professionals. Time commitment: ~4–8 hours/month. Make a real difference in your community. Read more and sign up: https://wix.to/QnEkfCE

The Obesity Community Fund (OCF) is a patient-led non-profit organisation working to improve access to evidence-based obesity care in South Africa.Read more about the Obesity Community Fund at www.obesitycommunityfund.co.za We are looking for passionate volunteers — including patients, family memb...

22/02/2026

What happens after a referral?

After you refer someone, they will have the chance to learn more about obesity as a chronic disease and the full range of treatment options; be assessed by a medical team, if they choose, to see whether lifestyle, medical or surgical treatment is appropriate; and, if they apply to the Obesity Community Fund, have their application reviewed against our medical and financial criteria. Knowing what to expect often reduces fear. Share this post with someone who needs clarity and hope.

Visit our website for more information: www.obesitycommunityfund.co.za

18/02/2026

How to refer someone.

If someone you love is ready for help, you can: share our website and social media channels so they can learn in their own time; invite them to attend an online information session or webinar with you; or suggest they consider an assessment at our partnered Obesity Health Centre or read about joining the Obesity Community Fund. Always keep the choice with them. Your role is to open doors, not push them through.

Visit our website for more information: www.obesitycommunityfund.co.za

14/02/2026

Starting a caring conversation.

If you are worried about someone’s weight and health, the conversation can feel scary. Start with care: ask if you may share your concern, listen more than you speak, and remember that obesity is a disease – not a lack of willpower. You are not there to diagnose or judge. You are there to support and offer options. In the next posts, we will share practical ways to refer someone for help.

Visit our website for more information: www.obesitycommunityfund.co.za

10/02/2026

How to become an advocacy member.

You can become an advocacy member today:
1) Follow our social media channels and sign up for our newsletter.
2) Add your name to our advocacy list so we can invite you to sign memorandums and participate in research.
3) Commit to sharing at least one piece of accurate information about obesity with your network each month.

Comment “Advocacy” or visit our website for the sign-up link – and lend your voice to a fairer system.
www.obesitycommunityfund.co.za

06/02/2026

What advocacy members do?

Advocacy members are the heartbeat of our movement. They share accurate, respectful information about obesity and treatment options; sign petitions and memorandums to medical schemes, hospitals and policymakers; and show up for webinars, surveys and research to strengthen the evidence base. If you have a voice, you have power. Advocacy membership is how you use it.

02/02/2026

Two kinds of members.

There are two main ways to be part of the Obesity Community Fund: clinical members, who live with obesity, join the fund and may apply for supported surgery; and advocacy members, who may or may not live with obesity but are committed to raising their voice, sharing information and supporting policy change. Not everyone needs surgery. Everyone can support change. In the next posts we explain what advocacy members do and how to join.

Visit our website for more information: www.obesitycommunityfund.co.za