Staff
In May of 2007, Stephen Lewis spoke at the Meaford United Church about the foundation he established to raise funds to fight HIV/AIDS in Africa. In response to his initiative, groups of Canadian grandmothers came together to support African grandmothers, who more and more were shouldering the burden of raising their grandchildren who had been orphaned by HIV/AIDS.
That speech inspired three women – Rose Peters, Donna Reimer and Norine Baron – to start a group called the Grey Grannies. In the same year, under the leadership of Pat McTaggart and Sandy Farrell, the Meaford Grannies started. Over the years these groups grew and fundraising ideas blossomed.
The Meaford grannies sold pins, held garage sales, bake sales, plant sales, and house tours as well as hosting teas and silent auctions, and raised $27,044. Through selling locally designed notecards, crafts, Kazuri jewellery from Kenya, and sisal baskets woven by women in Swaziland, the Grey Grannies have raised $84,260 for the Stephen Lewis Foundation. In 2012, some of the Meaford grannies joined the Grey Grannies.
Last year the Grey Grannies started a new fundraiser called Bridge to Africa. The bridge tournament at the Leisure Time Centre in Collingwood raised more than $5,000 over the last two years. The money raised goes to grassroots organizations and projects that support and sustain grandmothers in sub-Saharan Africa.
Two of the Grey Grannies – Norine Baron and Donna Reimer – had the opportunity to visit some of these projects and see for themselves the impact SLF is having on the lives of African children and the grandmothers who are parenting them. SLF has invested over $97 million through partnerships with more than 300 grassroots organizations in 15 countries. By working directly with community organizations, they help responsively without needless bureaucracy. This ability to help efficiently and compassionately continues to inspire the Grey Grannies.
The Grey Grannies have also raised awareness about SLF projects through community events – African dinners, presentations of African music and drama, and hosting speakers. The Grannies appreciate all the support they have received from local businesses and organizations. During the month of June there will be a display at the L.E. Shore Library in Thornbury highlighting what the Grey Grannies have done. On October 20, they will celebrate their ten years at a dinner at Grace United Church in Thornbury.
For more information about the Grey Grannies or to ask about joining their group, visit their Facebook page or email them at GreyGrannies@gmail.com
