On Sunday, April 29, the Glacier Grannies present “Sharing Stories.”
Elizabeth Sebesta will give an illustrated talk about her recent experience at the Tanzanian Grandmothers Gathering and her visits to community-based organizations in Uganda.
Both are funded by the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign of the Stephen Lewis Foundation. The event will run from 2-4 p.m. at d’Esterre Seniors’ Centre, 1801 Beaufort Avenue, Comox. Tickets are $10, with proceeds benefitting the foundation.
The afternoon will include the opportunity to date a “mystery book.” Wrapped in brown paper, and offering tantalizing clues to their character, these books will be waiting to go home with a suitable friend. For $10 you can take a chance on discovering a new favourite.
The popular AIDS angels and other crafts will be available for sale.
The theme of the Grandmothers Gathering was Bibi ni Nguzo – Swahili for “grandmothers are pillars,” and grandmothers are indeed the pillars of the continent.
As the AIDS epidemic has robbed them of their children, they have undertaken the care of their many grandchildren and become the lynchpins of their communities.
Through locally-funded grassroots programs, the foundation works with them as they deal with their grief, dry their grandchildren’s tears, and provide homes, food and the opportunity for an education.
They deliver home-based AIDS care, teach HIV prevention, and start income-generating projects.
The Glacier Grannies are enthusiastic supporters of their African counterparts. Through their popular African dinners, other events, and the sale of beautiful crafts, they have raised over $400,000, contributing to the more than $25 million donated by groups across Canada to the Stephen Lewis Foundation.
Tickets for the April 29 event include beverages and delicious home baked goodies, and are available at Laughing Oyster Bookshop in Courtenay, Blue Heron Books in Comox, or by telephoning Kate at 250-339-3651.