Rwanda Fundraising Ball

In November, a group of volunteers - including Mary Alves, Cormac McKenna, Sarah Haire, and Fr. Gregorio Wierzba (CFR) -  travelled to Rwanda to serve alongside the Sisters of Comunidade Servos de Maria do Coração de Jesus (Community of Servants of Mary of the Heart of Jesus). comunidadesmcj.org.br/

Mary Alves has led these mission trips twice a year for the past ten years, and each visit reveals both the extraordinary need and the extraordinary hope present in the communities the Sisters serve.

The poverty we witnessed was overwhelming: People of all ages begging for food and clothing, many in urgent need of medical supplies, abandoned children, overcome with sadness, who did not smile, mothers pleading for something as simple as washing powder to clean their children’s clothes. The list could go on. It was an incredibly eye opening experience. 

And yet, in the midst of this suffering, the Sisters remain a constant source of compassion, dignity, and practical help. Their selfless response to every need - no matter how great - was deeply inspiring. They rely entirely on donations, which is why we have chosen to organise this fundraising ball to support their vital work.

What the Sisters Do

The Sisters run a school for children from the poorest surrounding villages, providing two meals a day - often the only food these children receive, in a place of education, the essential means to uprooting poverty. Some children walk two hours each way just to reach this vital lifeline.

Their mission extends far beyond the school:

• They visit the local hospital twice a week with essential provisions
• They respond immediately to any urgent need that arises

Every donation will directly support these life‑changing efforts.

About the Fundraising Ball

To help ensure this mission continues, we are hosting a special evening that includes:

• A drinks reception
• A four‑course meal
• Live music
• Raffles and a charity auction.  

Dress code: Formal 

All proceeds raised on the night will go directly to the Sisters in Rwanda and their projects, who operate their mission solely through donations.

If you wish to make a full evening of it, discounted overnight rates are available from the hotel. Please contact the hotel directly to book.

Your generosity will make a tangible difference in the lives of children and families who have nowhere else to turn. We hope you can come!