On July 2^nd 2011, Shire Live Church representative Shelley Ramsay embarked on a mission trek to restore hope and justice in Rwanda and Uganda.

Shelley and a generous team of fourteen volunteers assisted with building and medical projects in Hope Rwanda, a village whereby the basic infrastructure has been built using funds raised via monetary donations. Shelley also visited the Watato Children’s village in Uganda, a village built for young children who have been rescued from being child soldiers, as well as, young orphans who are suffering from the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Africa.

Upon Shelley’s humble request Sydney Olympic FC accumulated a large box of merchandise and equipment which included, Sydney Olympic FC training and polo t-shirts, drink bottles, soccer balls and stationery. We are delighted to hear that our gifts were met with great satisfaction, with Shelley stating via email, that the “the Sydney Olympic FC t-shirts and polo-shirts were a huge hit with the Village of Hope Rwanda Building team. Our drink bottles and stationery were distributed to Ugandan orphans and widows and also given to the nursing staff in a Ugandan medical clinic.  Furthermore, Shelley stated that the orphans and widows from the Village of Hope Rwanda were “thrilled” to receive our gift of footballs.

Shelley described her trek as “an amazing life-changing experience”, an experience which Sydney Olympic FC was honoured to support and assist. It was an absolute pleasure to answer Shelley’s request and to donate to Hope Rwanda, with our aim to bring smiles on both the Ugandan and Rwandan orphans and widows faces undoubtedly achieved .We encourage the entire community to follow in our footsteps and support Hope Rwanda, as Hope Rwanda demonstrates and reminds us of what we often take for granted.