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Remembering Stephen Lewis
Stephen Lewis passed away on March 31. Co-founder of the Stephen Lewis Foundation, he was a life-long champion of human rights who devoted himself to creating a better world. Grandmothers across Canada are reflecting on their memories of Stephen, of listening to his eloquent speeches, and of the legacy he leaves behind. Solidarity amongst women is central to our work, led by Stephen's commitment to feminist approaches and social justice. We remember above all the love that arose wherever Stephen went. When he spoke, his passion was palpable; he never held back his anger at injustice, but his compassion for the poor, sick and underprivileged shone through. He awakened a great love in the hearts of grandmothers in Canada that reaches across to our sister grandmothers in Africa in an unbreakable bond of solidarity. "We will not rest until they can rest" is our rallying cry. Even though Stephen is now at rest, we will carry on the work with the passion he has inspired in us. Photo: Stephen Lewis with members of VG4A and the Comox Glacier Grannies at the 2011 Textile Gala organized by the two groups. Click on the following link to read and view tributes from the SLF to him. You are encouraged to leave your remembrance and a message for the family there. Remembering Stephen Lewis 1937 - 2026 Honouring Stephen Lewis, message from Meg French The TImes Colonist also pays tribute to Stephen Lewis and his contributions. The Globe and Mail highlights many different aspects of Stephen's life. |
Our New Logo
We 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 The Victoria Grandmothers for Africa (VG4A) is currently a group of over 150 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
Stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination that are rooted in harmful cultural practices and social norms, and a lack of awareness of legal protections, are exacerbated by a predominantly patriarchal system. CWCA provides legal aid and education, funding and entrepreneurship support, education supports, information, counselling, ongoing research, advocacy and community outreach. Read more about this important partner: continue here More stories from our partners in Africa are HERE | WHO BENEFITS
Upcoming events
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The Centre for Widows and Children Assistance (CWCA)
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Annual General Meeting February 7, 2026 Local media have recognized the significant fundraising that was reported at the AGM. Read the Black Press Media article "Victoria Grandmothers for Africa raise $2.5M amid record-breaking year" and to view the clip on CHEK News go to https://cheknews.ca/live-news-british-columbia/ and scroll down to find the 5 PM Sunday Feb 15 video. The short clip is at the 47:30 mark We also elected new members to various positions on the Core Group, approved changes to the Structure and Policy document, had a look at the new logo design, and discussed upcoming fundraising activities. Members - see more photos in the "Members Only" section. |
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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. |
Shop a few great items from our online store. |
VG4A actively seeks ways to learn, reconcile and connect with local First Nations. |
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