The Grandmothers for Africa are doing their annual ‘Bridge’ fund raising this Thursday, February 18th at Fairview Golf Club.
Update from Marion Boyd
Grannies ‘Bridge’ the gap
The Oliver chapter of Grandmothers for Grandmothers in Africa was happy to greet 36 bridge players who came through the rain to Fairview Mountain Golf Club Thursday, February 18th. The Bridge Social was a lively event that included a tasty luncheon. Carol MacKenzie was the lucky winner of the draw. It was a time not only of Bridge but lots of camaraderie and friendship. All was in aid of the Stephen Lewis Foundation and made possible a sustantial contribution to its work.
President of the local Grannies, Shirley Polk, was effusive in her praise of Fairview Mountain Golf Club and the contribution of their facility for the Bridge Social every year since 2011.
Inspired by the strength, determination and tenacity of grandmothers everywhere, the Stephen Lewis Foundation had the successful notion of linking grandmothers across the globe. The energy and compassion unleashed is making positive changes in the lives of millions of children orphaned by AIDS.
Money from the Foundation funds projects that support grandmothers throughout sub-Saharan Africa. These unsung heroes bury their own AIDS infected children and then care for their orphaned grandchildren. Suddenly restored to maternity in a way they had never imagined, the women display astonishing reserves of love, courage and emotional resilience.
They cannot do it alone. Money raised in the Bridge Social and other activities helps provide food, shelter, primary education, school fees, uniforms, supplies and income generating activities like communal gardens, crafts, and raising small animals. It also makes it possible to provide educational workshops and counselling.
Convenor of the Bridge event, Leslie Marriott, emphasizes you don’t have to be a grandmother to join the Oliver Grandmothers for Africa group. Anyone interested in the cause is welcome. Just turn up at 1 pm the first Thursday of the month for a meeting at the Oliver United Church or call Marion Boyd at 250 498 4308 for more information. Come and be part of the solution. Together we can make a difference.
