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I want to share a powerful and emotional moment that recently unfolded in the village we serve. Just days ago, near our office in Rwanda, a baby was found abandoned in the forest. A neighbor discovered the child and alerted others in the community. Upon hearing what happened, two of our team members--Paterne and Brigitte—immediately gathered diapers and clothing with what little they had and went to care for the baby. Their actions were more than a response—they were a reflection of something deeper. In Brigitte’s words: “This small gesture was our way of upholding the spirit of kindness and compassion that Shari inspired in us. Her legacy continues to encourage us to care for others, especially in moments like these.” We’re sharing a few photos from that day—images of heartbreak, but also of humanity, love, and hope.  Shari’s compassion lives on in the people she touched, and it continues to ripple across oceans, showing up in small, quiet acts of goodness—just like this one. We’re also deeply moved to share that 120 people have now given in Shari’s honor, raising a total of $36,249. This outpouring of love is already making a real impact—and moments like this one remind us just how far-reaching that impact can be. Thank you for being part of this community and for helping us build a world where no one is forgotten. 
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On July 4th, Rwanda marked Liberation Day, commemorating the end of the Genocide against the Tutsi and celebrating the country’s resilience and renewal. On that same powerful day, something beautiful happened in the village of Rugarika: Beatrice Nyiramugisha received the keys to her new home—a safe, dignified space of her own after many years without one. Thanks to your support, and with a small $200 allocation we approved, the community was able to host a heartfelt celebration and gift Beatrice a traditional igitenge (fabric) to mark this new beginning. We’re now honored to share short testimonial videos from Beatrice and her neighbor—stories filled with hope and gratitude: We had intended to share this with you earlier, but shortly after this joyous event, we experienced the deep loss of our founder, Shari Shelton. Her passing rightly took precedence in our communications, and many of you have since joined us in honoring her legacy. I’m deeply moved to share that Shari’s tribute campaign has now reached 117 donors and over $35,043 raised—a reflection of the incredible impact she had on so many of us, and the lasting difference she continues to make in the lives of women and girls in Rwanda. Thank you for being part of this community. Whether through honoring Shari, celebrating Beatrice, or standing with Rwanda on Liberation Day, your support is building something lasting.  I’m thrilled to share some exciting news with you: I am traveling back to Rugarika, Rwanda from August 4th–12th alongside Al Shelton, husband of our beloved founder, Shari Shelton. Together, we will be carrying the spirit of the 106 donors who have already given in Shari’s honor—raising an incredible $33,611 (and counting!) to support the work she loved so deeply. This will be a deeply meaningful trip—both personally and for our mission. Together, we will celebrate Shari’s legacy, witness the powerful impact of your generosity, and document the progress being made across the village she held so close to her heart. During our time in Rugarika, we will:
This journey is a reflection of your impact, and we want you to be part of it. We would love to hear your suggestions—what would you like us to see, do, or document while we’re in Rugarika? Your voice helps guide our work and ensures that we serve you, and the community, in the most meaningful way possible. Additionally, if you have any travel tips or advice, we would be so grateful. We’re committed to taking all necessary precautions and making this a safe, smooth, and impactful trip. Thank you for walking this journey with us. We can’t wait to share the stories, photos, and milestones with you along the way.  Do you remember how GIFTS Rwanda began?! Click HERE to learn about founder Shari Shelton and Karina Alvarez's first trip to Rwanda and how GIFTS Rwanda began!  Please know that this trip is being fully funded by Al Shelton, and no portion of your donations will be used to cover the expenses. Thank you for walking this journey with us. We can’t wait to share the stories, photos, and milestones with you when we return.   I am humbled and deeply grateful to share that, through the incredible outpouring of love for Shari, we have raised $16,649 from 91 donors — and counting. Every single gift made in her honor is a testament to the compassion, strength, and spirit Shari poured into this world. It’s clear that her impact lives on in the hearts of so many. Thanks to your generosity, we now have the opportunity to create lasting change in the village Shari cared so deeply about. These funds can help:
We are just getting started. If you haven’t yet had the chance to give, or if you feel called to help continue Shari’s legacy, please consider making a donation today. Let’s keep this beautiful momentum going. Shari would be overwhelmed by the love—and she would be so proud of the good it’s doing in the world.   From the soil of gratitude, new life begins... We’re excited to share a beautiful moment from the heart of Rugarika. Last week, parents whose children are part of the GIFTS Rwanda project gathered together for a special community activity called "Garuka Ushime"—which means "Come Back and Give Thanks." With joy and gratitude, they planted eggplant seedlings and watered them with care, celebrating the progress and hope that your support has helped cultivate in their lives. Many were joined by university students from our broader educational outreach—an inspiring reminder of how deeply the impact of your support continues to grow across generations. These community-led activities will continue, strengthening bonds, building food security, and nurturing both the land and the spirit of the village. Please enjoy the photos below, showing these joyful and hardworking families in action. And take a moment to watch this short video testimonial HERE from one of the participants, sharing their excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to work together through the GIFTS Rwanda gardening project. Your generosity is helping make this transformation possible—thank you for being part of the journey |
