SOS Children's Villages and the Edmonton Organizing committee for the FIFA U-20 World Cup Canada 2007 joined forces to host an evening in celebration of the joint FIFA-SOS campaign!
Held March 31st, 2007 at the TransAlta Arts Barn in Edmonton’s trendy arts district, the event was host to many of Edmonton's key stakeholders in the FIFA U-20 World Cup Canada 2007. The event was attended by local business leaders, event organizers, event volunteers, and supporters of SOS Children's Villages.
Boyd McBride, National Director of SOS Children’s Villages traveled from Ottawa to host the event. Mr. McBride took the opportunity to tell the crowd about the exciting new campaign, and it’s focus on sub-Saharan Africa. "It was an excellent opportunity for us to get to know Edmontonians, and get them excited about our campaign! I know Edmonton can make an important contribution to the work of SOS," said Mr. McBride.
Val Close, General Manager of the Edmonton site also spoke, and truly got the crowd excited about the upcoming FIFA u-20 event. "This will be the largest single sport event in Canada's history and it will be watched by soccer fans all across the world. This really is Edmonton’s opportunity to shine and show the great support and enthusiasm we have for sports in this city," said Ms. Close.
Jim Fleming, the Edmonton site Chair for the FIFA U-20 World Cup, moved the crowd with his passionate speech about the importance of the work of SOS and FIFA. "SOS Children's Villages provides hope to children who have lost everything; they do excellent work. I am here to tell everyone that we must support them in this important campaign."
"Let’s Play, Let’s Build," the Official Charity Campaign of the FIFA U-20 World Cup will provide hope and futures for children affected by HIV/AIDS in sub Saharan Africa, The campaign will raise funds to build a new SOS Village for orphaned and abandoned children in northern Namibia, an area devastated by many years of conflict, poverty and disease. The campaign will also support a Family Strengthening Programme in Rustenburg, South Africa, which will reach out to families in the community and strengthen them through medical, social and educational support, in order to prevent child abandonment.