Community Spotlight: Campbell River Grandmothers to Grandmothers

Campbell River Grandmothers to Grandmothers team photo Spring 2020 at Tyee Spit.

Photo courtesy of Marsha Bird.

CR Grandmothers to Grandmothers raises funds to donate to the Stephen Lewis Foundation’s Grandmother’s Campaign with the mission of delivering funds and other resources directly to community-led organizations who are leading responses to HIV and AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa. These organizations empower women and girls, grandmothers, orphaned and vulnerable children, LGBTIQ communities, and people living with HIV. The goal is to end AIDs through education, HIV prevention, health care, advocacy for sexual and reproductive rights.

CR Grandmothers to Grandmothers began in October 2008 and are one of 160 groups across Canada. Currently, they have 83 active members and organize several fundraising events throughout the year with a donation total of over $145,000 to the Stephen Lewis Foundation. Meetings are held on the first Thursday of the month at 12:15PM in the Fellowship Hall at the Campbell River United Church, located at 415 Pinecrest Road. New members, including non-grandparents (also known as “Grand-Others”) are welcome to join and participate.

Alitis Investment Counsel is proud to be a loyal local supporter of CR Grandmothers to Grandmothers.

Note that this video shows the impact of all the Stephen Lewis Foundation programs in which the Grandmothers Campaign is one part of it.

CR Grandmothers to Grandmothers Calendar of Events:

Administrative Professionals’ Day
April (celebrated on the Wednesday of the last full week of April)
Cake is sold to organizations to celebrate their team members.
Stride to Turn the Tide
April
This is a two-week event where individuals register online with a $20 or more donation and report their daily activity (walk, run, ride etc.) to show support.
Jazzy Junk from the Car Trunk
June
A fundraiser where one’s junk is another’s treasure and items find new homes and/or are repurposed.
Ride to Victoria
September
Members are encouraged to participate in the 275km, 3-day bike ride from Campbell River to Victoria. The median age of the participants last year was 69! There is a big pre-ride dinner event as a fundraiser and the riders fundraise for the ride by accepting pledges.
Sale of the Season
December
In preparation for the holiday season, homemade crafts and baking goods are sold and beautiful seasonal greenery arrangements are created. There are gifts for everyone on your list!