Our New LogoWe are pleased to present our new VG4A logo, designed by Kenyan designer, Stanley Kabicho. The four bright squares and the four stylized images inside them are symbols to grandmothers here in Canada and our African sisters. Click here to read about these symbols and why they were chosen.
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WHO WE ARE
Victoria Grandmothers for Africa (VG4A) is currently a group of over 160 women who are part of the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign of the Stephen Lewis Foundation (SLF). The campaign’s purpose is to increase awareness, build solidarity, and raise funds for 98 community-led organizations (CLOs) in 14 countries in Africa. These CLOs support grandmothers in Africa and their communities and amplify their voices and expertise as they work to build a healthy future for children who lost their parents to AIDS-related illnesses. Our values We strive to reflect our values in all our endeavours: collaboration, inclusiveness, cooperation, transparency, democratic process, and acceptance of new ideas. See how we work HERE Find out how to join HERE Structure and Policies | WHO OUR PARTNERS ARE Read about one of the Community-led Organizations that support Grandmothers and their Families.  Striving to improve the welfare of rural people in Mukono District of Uganda, the Christian Churches of Kyetume Parish formed Kyetume Community Based Health Care Programme (Kyetume CBHCP) in 1994. The Kyetume CBHCP team is comprised of doctors, nurses, counselors, program officers, and administrative staff who are dedicated to serving their community. At the heart of their mission is the belief that sustainable livelihoods create the foundation for lasting community transformation. KCBHCP strengthens household incomes, improves food security, and builds resilience among vulnerable families. Their approach focuses on practical empowerment by combining agricultural support, financial inclusion, education, vocational skills and community capacity-building initiatives impacting families as they move from dependency to self-reliance and economic independence. Read more about this great organization and how they pivoted during a period of severe disruption caused by the 90-day stop-work order from the U.S. government in early 2025: here More stories from our partners in Africa are HERE |
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| Victoria Grandmothers for Africa cyclists have been peddling to raise funds for the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign of the Stephen Lewis Foundation for 20 years, raising a remarkable $1,725,000 since the first ride. Local Media continues to champion our cause. Times Colonist August 16 Grandmothers Return to ride for AIDS Chek News August 9 ‘I love the purpose’: Victoria Grandmothers for Africa gear up for 20th Anniversary Cycle Tour Capital Daily August 9 and 14 Victoria's Grandmothers kick off fundraising cycle tour for African families Press July 3 Greater Victoria cyclists to mark 20 years supporting African grandmothers
Click here to donate to the cycle tour. |
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Summer Socal August 19, 2026 Our Summer Social in beautiful Esquimalt Gorge Park was fun and full and wonderful. Jocelyn reminisced about the meeting of 5 women that began VG4A 20 years ago. One of those women shared with her the other day how wonderful it feels that this tiny seedling has grown into a huge tree. We visited with each other, played VG4A Jeopardy, and had a sing-along .. Members can see more photos on the Members Only page. Photo Credits: Jane Player |
Launch of the Cycle Tour August 9, 2026 |
It was a beautiful day for the launch of our 20th annual cycle tour raising funds to support grandmothers who are raising their grandchildren and supporting their families. With access to resources and social support networks, grandmothers are sending children to school, growing food, forming savings and loan groups, sharing knowledge about HIV prevention and treatment, and creating new sources of income. They are also advocating for their rights and holding governments and health systems accountable. PC: Jane Player. Members can view more photos in the Members Only section of the website. |
ART FROM THE ATTIC JULY 18, 2026 Tens of thousands attended the Art Gallery Paint-In on Moss St. on July 18, so Victoria Grandmothers had many, many customers stopping to view and buy the art tastefully displayed in Julie's driveway. Members and friends donated over 170 pieces of art for sale and for the silent auction. We would like to convey our heartfelt thanks to the fabulous Art from the Attic core team - Betty-Ann T, Marg W, Bonnie Y, Anne A, Orleen M, Cynthia C, Nancy M and Julie H. Also thank you to the volunteers on the day - the cashiers, the street ambassadors, the Education rep, the coffee maker, and the set-up and tear-down crews. The donated "previously enjoyed" art, the Silent Auction and Judy S donating the proceeds from her wearable art culminated in a successful fundraiser raising approximately $5,500. Many thanks also to our tireless photographer Jane Player, who is also modelling her new coat in one photo. | Upcoming events
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Grandmothers to Grandmothers Recruitment Video
The Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign has a new video: Grandmothers United in Solidarity: Reflections from Canadian and South African grandmothers. Click on the image to watch the video.
Included is VG4A member Bonnie Yarish speaking about why she she continues to be an active member fundraising and advocating for grandmothers in Africa.
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VG4A members Laurie and Bonnie travelled with 14 other members of the Grandmothers Campaign and SLF staff to South Africa and Eswatini. Click the link above for the blog of their stories and adventures, and read about the people and groups they met. |
Twenty Years Strong: Grandmothers' Leadership in the HIV Response July 22, 2026
Twenty years ago, African and Canadian grandmothers came together to spark a global movement rooted in solidarity, care and community. In the lead up to the 26th International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2026), the Stephen Lewis Foundation hosted this online panel featuring grandmother leaders from Uganda, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Canada. Together, they reflected on the leadership of African grandmothers, the importance of international grandmothers' solidarity, centering the priorities of older women and shaping the future of the global HIV response. World AIDS Day Webinar: The HIV Epidemic – Then and Now December 3, 2024
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Shop a few great items from our online store. |
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