The David Williamson Rwanda Foundation was fully recognised as a charity registered in Scotland (SCO40345) in March 2009. It was established in memory of David Williamson, Managing Director of Glasgow Coffee Merchants Matthew Algie and co-founder of Tinderbox cafes.

David, a father of five, died suddenly and without warning eight days after his 42nd birthday on the morning of Thursday 17 April 2008. He had fallen ill with what appeared to be a nasty bout of the flu four days previously. It transpired that he didn't have flu, but had been infected with the Streptococcus A bacteria which resulted in streptococcal toxic shock syndrome.

The aims of the Foundation are to work with the communities attached to the coffee-growing co-operatives in Rwanda - a country whose people and amazing spirit greatly moved David when he visited there in 2007 - to alleviate poverty and assist in the improvement of health and welfare.

The Foundation is run by four Directors, Morag Williamson, Ewan Reid, Ian Bretman and Wyndham James and had its inaugural Board meeting at The Fairtrade Foundation offices in London in April 2009. As well as the Board of Directors, The David Williamson Rwanda Foundation has two very involved Patrons in actor Colin Firth and musician and actor Shirley Manson.

The official launch of The David Williamson Rwanda Foundation took place in Mono, Glasgow on the night of Sunday 5 July 2009, David's favourite music venue. Titled Throughout the Dark Months of April and May it was a night, which saw David's friends, family, colleagues, supporters and music fans, gather together and watch some of David's favourite bands play. With warm words and warmer hearts, the Foundation launched to the sounds of The Pastels, The Vaselines, Malcolm Middleton and Teenage Fanclub. It was a night to remember and marked a new beginning.

Glasgow-based live music illustrator Jenny Soep recorded the event with these unique paintings. Each of the artists signed their painting and we are now delighted to auction these online for a limited period, with opening bids being invited from 30 November. All proceeds will go to The David Williamson Rwanda Foundation.

To bid for these items please visit our eBay Mission Fish auction which is live from 30 November 2009 for 10 days. For more information on eBay for Charity and Mission Fish or to make a donation please click here.