Hello Poppy’s, collaboration with the Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust (HACT) began through the Gogolympics, an annual event that sees hundreds of Gogo’s from communities across the Valley of 1000 Hills who come together to compete in Olympic-style games filled with joy, laughter, movement, and connection.
Beyond the sport itself, what became so clear in conversations with the gogos was the deep emotional significance of the event. For many, the Gogolympics are about far more than competition. It’s about the coming to together, the belonging and feeling less isolated. They love being able to be active, sharing stories, to laugh together and being surrounded by community and care.
Many of these women are caregivers raising grandchildren and supporting entire households under incredibly difficult circumstances. The Gogolympics offer not only celebration and release, but meaningful impact on emotional well-being, dignity and connection.
To help raise awareness and support, Hello Poppy launched a photographic exhibition featuring some of these extraordinary women, beautifully captured by renowned photographer Brett van Dort. The exhibition marks the beginning of a broader fundraising journey supporting both the Gogolympics on 28 August and long-term sustainability initiatives including grow gardens, irrigation and community food security projects.
