Many Grannies dropped in to Jane S.’s wonderful “chicken coop workshop” to make beautiful swags from greenery gathered from the woodlands, and donated from members’ yards.

Swags were sold in the Driftwood Mall, outside Thrifty Foods on Cliffe Avenue, and on Comox Avenue. Business was brisk at all locations. A special thank you to Gail E. who sold swags to members of the congregation at the United Church. $1398.23 was raised and many local front doors were beautified.

Thank you to the Driftwood Mall and to Thrifty Foods for hosting our swag sales and to all the Grannies who created swags and took part in sales.

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Attendees at the sixth Annual African Dinner were greeted by the rhythms of the DrumBuds and the sight of a beautifully decorated hall. A cornucopia of items in the Silent Auction was awaiting bids, and the bar staff were busy pouring wine and beer.

Soon people were seated, the efforts of the committee and sponsors were acknowledged, and the special guests Mr Justine Ojambo, Waziko Margret, and Miriam Mulindwa from Uganda, Alexis MacDonald and Sarah Dopp from the Stephen Lewis Foundation, Toronto, and Eunice Mangwane from South Africa were introduced and invited to the stage.

Alexis spoke briefly about the Foundation, and outlined the journey of producing the book Powered by Love. Then the African visitors shared personal stories about how their lives had been affected by the HIV and AIDS pandemic. Their involvement with grassroots organizations supported by the Foundation had made a huge difference. “Mama” Eunice ended with a song and a moving plea to continue supporting the Foundation.

The book is truly beautiful: colourful photographs taken by Alexis MacDonald, moving personal stories about Grandmothers in Africa and Grandmothers and GrandOthers in Canada, an interesting format and excellent editing have resulted in a product to be proud of. Evelyn Gillespie had brought a good supply of books, and they sold well.

A delicious African Meal, prepared by Tria Catering, was then ready to be enjoyed. All too soon, the last call for bids on Silent Auction items was made.

In spite of the hardships experienced by the African visitors, they exude a natural joy. They are delightful to be around. As guests gathered their belongings and headed for the door, it was noted that everyone left smiling.

Our dinner raised $7,667 for the Foundation.

With grateful thanks to our sponsors:

Mason Walker, RE/MAX Realty

Evelyn Gillespie , Laughing Oyster Bookshop

Martina, Blue Heron Books

And all the local businesses and individuals who donated to Silent Auction

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The Courtenay Library staff and a handful of Grannies set up seating in the lounge area of the library, where Heather MacKenzie played the video, “Powered by Love,” which had been prepared by the Stephen Lewis Foundation. The soundtrack for this is a song written and performed by Zev Landsberg-Lewis, Ilana’s son and Stephen’s grandson.

The presentation, moderated by Kathy Penner, included the reading of brief passages from the book Powered by Love. It was followed by stories shared by Ugandan visitors Waziko, Justine and Miriam. Local Glacier Granny, Bette Axani, told us about her connection to the Grandmothers Movement. African Granny, Eunice, shared a powerful story of HIV and AIDS and her family’s experience. All were moved to tears.

In response to the song shared by Eunice at the African Dinner the night before, GrandOther, John, thanked the Grannies by singing the song “How Could Anyone”:

• How could anyone ever tell you, you are anything less than beautiful
• How could anyone ever tell you, you are less than whole
• How could anyone fail to notice that your loving is a miracle
• How deeply you’re connected to my soul.

Coffee and baked goods prepared by Grannies were enjoyed, while books were purchased and signed.The Laughing Oyster Book Shop sold 57 books, and donated $5 per book to the Foundation.

With many thanks to Evelyn at Laughing Oyster Book Shop, Daryl at Mudsharks Coffee Bar and Courtenay Public Library.

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