Being that the AIDS situation represents an ongoing battle in Africa, the Mountain Grannies of Banff and Canmore are ramping up efforts to help combat the epidemic.
The Grannies, best known for their annual Chili in a Bowl and Stride to Turn the Tide walk fundraisers for the Stephen Lewis Foundation, are branching out in a different direction – a fashion show to be held at Mountain Lady’s Greenhouse in Canmore on Oct. 18.
“This is the first time we’ve done a fashion show,” said Grannies co-chair Nel Keith. “We’ve got several vendors who are allowing us to display their clothing and we’ll have grannies, grandchildren and some men modelling.” Keith co-chairs the group with Josie Emmett.
The Fashion Fling will showcase fashions from Charisma, Glacier’s Edge, Shoes t’ Boot and Vida. Tickets (150 maximum) are available in advance for $40 at Banff Tea Company and Café Books in Canmore. The show begins at 6:30 p.m. and refreshments will be served.
The 55-member strong Mountain Grannies are part of the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign where groups around the world support grandmothers in Africa who, due to the ravages of AIDS, often become the main caregivers for families when mothers/parents are claimed by the disease.
“The problem now,” said Keith, “is that grandmothers are aging and passing away and there are still children who need care. We have AIDS drugs and cures here in Canada, but they still don’t in some areas of Africa. A whole generation in Africa has been lost to AIDS.
“We have a lot of energy in our group and this is another way to raise funds and have some fun.”
Across Canada, there are 240 grandmothers groups, and $21 million has been raised since 2006 for the Stephen Lewis Foundation. Locally, the Mountain Grannies formed in 2007 and have raised more than $145,000.
The Mountain Grannies will hold their first meeting of the year tonight (Oct. 2) at 7 p.m. at Mountain Shadows (216 Three Sisters Drive) in Canmore. Anyone interested in joining can call Anne at 403-678-6395.
The Stephen Lewis Foundation works with grassroots organizations at the community level that provide grandmothers and the children in their care with food and seeds for gardens, school fees, supplies and uniforms, medical counselling and care, housing and income generation activities, home visits and support groups.
