Oliver’s Grandmothers for Africa are back at it.

The group, which formed in 2011 with the idea of raising funds to help ease the pain of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa, was at Medici’s Cafe in Oliver Friday, offering everyone the opportunity to get an early start on their Christmas shopping.

Yes, it was the Fall Frenzy, and the table stretching from the Medici’s front door nearly to the Gelato counter was filled with a unique variety of handmade items from Africa as well as some items made locally.

“The profits we make go back to the Stephen Lewis Foundation. Ninety per cent of that money is sent back to Africa for projects that have been approved by the Stephen Lewis Foundation,” said Judy Pagett, a member of the Grandmothers for Africa group. “On the table are things the Grandmothers in Africa have made, and we have purchased from them – and there are things the Grandmothers in Oliver have made. We sell all of the items. We have a target of $1,000 for any event that we host. Other years we have exceed that target. This year we will make that target.”

Since 2003 the Foundation has funded over 1,400 initiatives and partnered with over 300 community-based organizations in 15 countries.

There were many items to choose from – including Woza Moya dolls, beaded zebras and giraffes in Zulu colours, woven bowls, bowl buddies water bottle carriers, hand-crafted Christmas ornaments, beaded greeting cards, exotic Fair Trade jewellry and Pashminas. There were even African-themed colouring books.

“It’s a fabulous, amazing group of ladies that gets together and helps. It’s beautiful to see the contribution they make from their side,” said Adel Venter, who is from South Africa, and has seen the benefit first-hand. “Their handiwork is an empowerment to them. They put out this beautiful handiwork and get to send them to the other side of the world and have it enjoyed by other people.”

The Oliver Grandmothers for Africa meet the first Thursday of the month at 1 p.m. at the Oliver United Church Hall.

The next event for the Oliver Grandmothers will be Dec. 7 at Frank Venables Theatre.

For further information, check out:www.stephenlewisfoundation.org.

-Dale Cory