Thirty years ago this week, a super group of musicians gathered under the name Band Aid to record the Christmas call-to-arms, “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” to raise money for famine relief in Ethiopia.
Key of Hope founders Rachel and Dan Smither aren’t backed by a band of famous friends, but they do have dedicated staff and supporters backing them up as they work to bring hope to the children of AIDS-plagued Durban, South Africa. 
Join Rachel and Dan as they present ‘Raising Hope,’ a Key of Hope fundraiser on Sunday, December 7 at 6 p.m. at Faith Church located at 3411 Airport Road in Waterford. This free, family-friendly event is designed to give a glimpse of what Christmas is like for children in Durban and will include interactive displays, family entertainment with an appearance by Rodney the Magician, and special music by Rachel Smither, who studied music theory at Oakland University.
Last year, the Key of Hope Children’s Choir traveled from their squatter camps and hillside homes to sing their inspiring message across Michigan; giving 46 performances as part of the ‘Sound of Hope’ tour.
Thirty years later, Band Aid’s message is still relevant and now you have a chance to make an impact and let the children of Durban know it’s Christmas time again.
Key of Hope
Key of Hope is dedicated to providing the long term mentoring relationships these children need not only to survive, but also to thrive as citizens, leaders, and disciples of Christ. The heart of our mission is to bring the life changing love of God to these children – not only through solid Gospel teaching, but also in tangible ways that demonstrate that love to them.
Though it ranks only 25th in the world in total population, South Africa is home to the highest AIDS population of any country on the planet. One in five is HIV+. More than 35 people die of AIDS every hour in South Africa alone. This horrific AIDS epidemic in South Africa has left behind 3-6 million orphans, with millions already suffering the effects of parents who are sick and dying of AIDS.
About Sarah Hovis