NEWS RELEASE
MARIPOSA GRANDMOTHERS TO GRANDMOTHERS
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The Orillia Mariposa Grandmothers to Grandmothers are seeking donations of gently-used jewellery, handbags and scarves for a one-day ‘Bags and Bling’ sale beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 5 at St. Paul’s United Church, 62 Peter St. N. in Orillia.
Part of the Stephen Lewis Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign, the Orillia Mariposa Grandmothers to Grandmothers is one of 240 similar groups within Canada and beyond. Canadian Grandmothers groups have fundraised more than $24 million for African grandmothers who are raising their orphaned grandchildren.
African grandmothers are central to the life of their communities. With almost no support, they have stepped forward to care for millions of children orphaned by AIDS, sometimes as many as 10 to 15 in one household. They display astonishing reserves of love, courage and emotional resilience, even while grieving the loss of their own adult children
Resources from the campaign are invested directly at the community level, with grassroots organizations that provide grandmothers and the children in their care with supports that include food, educational supplies, uniforms and school fees, medical care, HIV counselling and testing, adequate housing and bedding, counselling and support groups, home visits, and much more.
The Orillia group meets monthly at St. Paul’s United Church. Being a grandmother is not a prerequisite and we welcome anyone interested in joining. Please contact Ann Downard at 705-325-6008 for more information about joining our group.
If you would like to donate items, please contact Tina at 705-259-2725 or Ann at 705-325-6008 to arrange for pick up. Please join us for this fundraiser on May 5.
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