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WHO WE ARE
Victoria Grandmothers for Africa
We raise funds and awareness for the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign of the Stephen Lewis Foundation. We're proud to have raised over $2 million since 2006.
Through the Grandmothers Campaign, we partner with community-led organizations in Africa where grandmothers care for grandchildren whose parents died as a result of the HIV and AIDS pandemic.
Did you know that a report released in July by UNAIDS, ‘The Path that Ends AIDS’, highlights that the countries who are already following the path are achieving extraordinary results.
Botswana, Eswatini, Rwanda, Tanzania and Zimbabwe have already achieved the “95-95-95” targets. A further 16 other countries, eight of them in sub-Saharan Africa, are also close to doing so.
MATRAM (Movement for Accessing Treatment in Mozambique) has been working towards this goal for their country for many years, mobilizing community members, political leaders, and people living with HIV (PLWH) to access and optimize their ARV treatment.
Christine J. Donna, Sandra, Laurie, Joyce, Jocelyn, Orleen, Lisbie, Dale, Bonnie, Elizabeth S.
Read the full International Grandmothers Gathering Statement here
Eleven of our members, photographed above, (and at least 7 on Zoom) participated in the International Grandmothers Gathering October 24th – 26th in Winnipeg. We had the largest contingent from anywhere in the country and our representatives did us proud. At the same time there were parallel gatherings going on in 10 different sub-Saharan African countries. They reported to the Winnipeg gathering via Zoom; their energy, excitement and determination were palpable. In every gathering in Africa there were policy makers present and a clear focus on making lasting change at the government level. Demands included increased pensions for grandmother caregivers and the reversal of outdated gender inequalities surrounding ownership, particularly of land. It was very encouraging to see and hear example after example of grandmothers in Africa who are empowered and determined to affect policy changes. They will not rest until AIDS is gone from Africa and the most harmful inequalities are resolved. And we will not rest until they rest! There was a collective feeling in all of the gatherings of pride in achieving something important in such a collaborative way, gratitude for our partnerships, and a passionate commitment to continue. This initiative has made a difference in so many lives.
will be the next Market Feature, coming soon! To whet your appetite, here are some sparkling crystal ornaments that were recently made in a work bee. They'll brighten your windows with holiday cheer, dress up your Christmas tree or accompany you as a hostess gift.
Members can check out the TECH TIPS or ask for TECH HELP on our Members Only page by signing in to the website.
Victoria Grandmothers received a grant of $24,539 from the New Horizons for Seniors Program to improve the digital skills of our members and community. It's a HUGE investment that we're very grateful for; we're eager to involve as many members as possible in the different parts of the project. Connected Canadians, a non-profit that specializes in improving the digital skills of seniors, will deliver our program. Find out how you can benefit.