Local members of the Grandmothers for Africa chapter enjoying dinner at the Nk’mip Grill during the Ladies Night fundraiser that successfully raised $1000 for the Stephen Lewis Foundation. From left to right are Leslie Marriott, Susan Capyk, Audrey Staton, Nan Hendrie, Nadia Wish, Wende Arnett and June Hewitt. Other Grannies who helped with this even but are not pictured were Ruth McLarty, Shirley Polk and Irene Lussier.
It was the Grandmothers for Africa Ladies Night fundraiser held recently and it was a resounding success. One thousand dollars were raised for the Stephen Lewis Foundation to assist resilient African grandmothers as they pour their energy into raising grandkids orphaned by AIDS.
No one had to be a great golfer to take part and prizes were awarded at each of the nine holes. All 44 golfers went home with a prize. Some were gift certificates, others were colourful handbeaded Little Traveller pins. These creative beaded items are made by South African grandmothers. They work together at the Hillcrest Trust Centre for Aids in Durban, South Africa. The handwork provides the grandmothers with an income and the centre provides counselling, education and Aids awareness programs as well as support for the grandmothers.
The golfers all enjoyed a fine dinner at the Nk’mip Grill plus a presentation by Nan Hendrie, co-chair of the local Grandmothers for Africa chapter, illustrating some of the work done in Africa with money raised here. Nan was in high spirits. She loves the work she does for “the Grannies” and her team also won the team prize for having the lowest putts.
The next meeting of the local Grandmothers is Thursday, Sept. 13th at 1 pm in the Oliver United Church. Anyone interest in joining the lively group with the bright yellow t-shirts and a worthwhile cause is welcome to come along.