Andy & Sheilah Fletch

This is the story of two ordinary people that had a desire to something for the orphans of this world but had no idea how or when this would come about.  This could be the inspiration for the beginning of your story.

They were about to retire; Andy had had a career as a veterinarian and Sheilah was a pastor.  During their life together they had sponsored children in areas of the world that needed help but neither of them imagined that they would have a first hand experience with orphans in Africa.  They were about to embark on a trip that would turn out to be a life-changing experience for both of them.

In spring 2005 they went to a conference where they heard a presentation by a Canadian named Wesley Campbell who is the founder of Be A HERO.  He introduced them to the concept that regular people with a passion to help orphans can “do something”.  Be A HERO exists to link up people in the first world with established proven missions throughout the third world. 

Sheilah set her heart to raise funds for orphans in Ghana.  A woman from their parish was moved when she learned more about the Agape Children’s Home, and Sheilah’s plans.  She was a huge help in organizing 2 parishes and the community to put on a very successful auction to raise funds for the Children’s Home. 

Sheilah had set a goal to raise $700 but the interest from the community and businesses was astounding.  With a contribution from one of the parishes of $1500 plus all that was raised from the auction, a total of $7500 was forwarded to Be A HERO for the Agape Children’s Home.

What a surprise it was when Be A HERO informed them that their $7500 was matched by an anonymous donor that had contacted the organization.  Therefore, over $15,000 was forwarded on to Agape Children’s Home due to the efforts of ordinary people wanting to help.

In Sheilah’s conversations with Be A HERO during her fund-raising efforts, it was suggested that they take a Hero Holiday to visit the orphans they were assisting.
It was still all a dream until an organization they were affiliated with offered the opportunity to apply for a grant.  Not only did they receive the grant but due to special circumstances and the fact that they had mentioned what they wanted to do with the money, the gift was doubled to $2,000.  This was the boost they needed to take the trip.

In August, 2007, when Andy and Sheilah arrived at the Agape Children’s Home in Ghana for their “Hero Holiday” they had six hockey bags of requested clothing and medicines.  

There were soccer shoes and uniforms, clothes, Ibuprofen, cough syrup, bandages, workbooks, pencils, backpacks, new soccer and tennis balls, etc.

“Aunties” view some supplies Andy & Sheilah bought
The children fielded a soccer tournament shortly after the Fletchs’ arrival and for the first time there were four teams, each with a different colored team uniform and most importantly real soccer shoes!

Andy used his veterinarian experience to assist the children and leaders when he revived a rabbit project that was floundering.  The home had been struggling to get the Rabbit Project off the ground for 8 months.  Andy did some training and adaptations to the program and soon litters were being born.  There were 15 rabbit couples and the program directors named them after people they wanted to recognize.  One of the couples was named Wesley and Stacey in honour of the founders of Be A HERO.  The money from the sale of the rabbits will be used to fund the home and children’s education and a portion will go to the child-owner to provide some spending money and continue developing leadership and initiative skills. There is now a gentle challenge in play as to who will produce the most bunnies.  Andy and Sheilah have promised to try to raise funds for increasing the rabbit project as well as for the school upon their return home.

They were in Ghana for over two weeks on their Hero Holiday using the time to read to the children, playing games and helping them write to their sponsors. 

Andy with the boys
Something that impressed the two of them was how happy and grateful the children were. 

During the craft displays and talent nights Andy and Sheilah marveled at the talent these young people exhibited.

Sheilah with Juliet
This trip so impressed them that they have committed themselves in their retirement to helping others to be involved in sponsoring orphans or specific projects. 

From their experience at the Agape Children’s Home in Ghana, both Andy and Sheila felt that they grasped the tremendous responsibility involved in taking care of orphans.  They were quoted as saying “It is not enough to rescue, feed, clothe and house orphan children – they will become adults and they need to be able to integrate into their society.  Therefore there is a need to support and guide them right into adulthood. Thus we can all become “little Heros” by reaching out as best we can to others”. That statement says a lot about this couple. They have become very special HEROES.

They want to encourage others to take a Hero Holiday, and enjoy the experience of a lifetime. Thank you Andy and Sheilah for being our HEROES.

For information on current Be A HERO projects, click here.

If you wish to sponsor a child, click here.