We’re Going to Rugarika — Honoring Shari & Celebrating Progress

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:

• Celebrate the graduation of the latest class of our New Mom Sewing Group
• Visit homes you helped fund for families in need
• Spend time with students whose education you've made possible
• Highlight sustainable initiatives, including the MoonCatcher Project, where young women create reusable menstrual pads so girls can stay in school all month long
• Explore the new community center property, which was just bare dirt when we last visited two years ago

Thanks to your support, this community hub now includes:

• 3 bathrooms
• A chicken farm
• A sewing room for our New Mom program
• Office space for our local GIFTS Rwanda team
• A large community meeting room that hosts gatherings on vital topics like money management, conflict resolution, soap-making, puberty, menstruation, and emotional support

We’ll mark this incredible milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the community center meeting room. And, most importantly, we will host a celebration of life for Shari, filled with songs, letters, photos, and poems from those whose lives she touched.

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.