Welcome To Our Website
In 2005 a group of Nanaimo women were deeply moved hearing about the plight of the grandmothers in sub-Saharan Africa from Stephen Lewis.
”The AIDS pandemic has left millions of children orphaned by AIDS. Without hesitation or complaint, Africa’s grandmothers have stepped in to care for them. In fact, in many countries throughout southern Africa it is estimated that 40% to 60% of orphans live in grandmother-headed households. After burying their own adult children, they take on the responsibility of caring for their grieving grandchildren, often with little or no support and while coping with their own deteriorating health…”
These women decided to become involved in the work of the Stephen Lewis Foundation. Gogo means grandmother in Zulu, so they called themselves NanGo Grannies and became part of the inspiration that led to the formation of the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign .
Nango Grannies - 2020
We are an informal group from many different backgrounds with many different talents. Since the beginning, we have raised money in many different ways: garage sales, beer and burgers, Chair Affair and African Markets. See our events page for more details.
New members and new ideas are always welcome. We are passionate about our cause, and like to have fun while we fund-raise!
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Listen to NANAIMO NEWS BULLETIN article about this year's Giant Fabric Sale.
From the NANAIMO NEWS BULLETIN
"Nanaimo grandmothers put on giant yarn sale for international charity"
Lidia Hak browses at NanGo Grannies' Giant Fabric Sale on Saturday, Sept. 21, at the Nanaimo Curling Centre.Karl Yu/News Bulletin
"A group of Nanaimo women gathered to sell some yarn – and tell some yarns – to raise money for women in Africa.
The NanGo Grannies held their giant fabric sale at Nanaimo Curling Centre on Saturday, Sept. 21.
Sue Creba, a committee member, said the grandmothers' group is associated with the Stephen Lewis Foundation and the sale is its major fundraiser.
"All year we collect donations from the public of yarn, fabric, notions, and then we resell it at our sale,” she said. "So it keeps things out of the landfill, it provides affordable resources for people who sew and knit and then we send all the proceeds to the Stephen Lewis Foundation projects and efforts."
Initially money was used to assist grandmothers who were raising grandchildren, but that has evolved, she said.
"We've moved beyond that now, and Stephen Lewis Foundation now funds community projects, a lot of health projects in Africa, a lot of issues around HIV-AIDS, a lot of issues around gender," Creba said. "They're doing a lot of good work, grassroots groups in Africa. Some are made up of grandmothers, but some now are younger people who are looking to help their own countries."
cont.
The group seemed well on its way toward raising $14,000, she said."
This article, written by Karl Yu, was published in the Nanaimo News Bulletin 22/09/2024
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Victoria Grannies Lunch in the Park: 2023
Maffeo-Sutton Park, Nanaimo
From Campbell River to Victoria: Every year for three days in September the Victoria Grannies hold their fund-raising 275km bike tour, and each year the NanGo Grannies host the cyclists for lunch in the Maffeo Sutton Park in downtown Nanaimo. .
Click on these photos of last year's participants to view an enlargement
Cyclists & the NanGo Grannies
Dining Out in the Park
Hosts: The NanGo Grannies
20th Anniversary Quilt
This beautiful quilted artwork was displayed at Nanaimo North Library on Hammond Bay Road from April 26th to May 1st.
The 20th Anniversary Solidarity Quilt entitled "Nurturing Generations Under the Canopy of Sisterhood" celebrates the Stephen Lewis Foundation and the Grandmothers Campaign. It depicts a grandmother tree, arms outstretched in a demonstration of her competence and leadership, with roots running deep into the heart of her community. Beneath her canopy are seedlings, symbolizing the children she has cared for during the AIDS pandemic and beyond. Representing the remarkable journey grandmothers in Africa have made in the face of adversity, this magnificent handmade quilt was crafted over 4 months by 20 grandmother groups across Canada, with contributions of fabric from over 300 women in Canada and Africa.
This remarkable work of art in honour of the Stephen Lewis Foundation's 20th anniversary is a testament to what is possible when women gather, connect and share their resources, creativity and compassion.
Biking in the Rain
Jane Templeman participated in the Victoria virtual ride. She committed to riding 600 km, a prodigious feat! The Victoria Grandmothers for Africa‘s 14th annual Cycle Tour, took place between August 17 and September 13.
Stride to turn the Tide
NanGo Grannies were on the move striding in last year’s Stride to Turn the Tide of HIV and AIDS in sub Saharan Africa. Some walked and counted steps and some counted kms running or biking. Others gardened, swam, paddled, rowed, danced, did yoga, golfed, and mowed lawns. All were on the move to show our solidarity with our African sister grandmothers as they walk for water, food, medical attention, get to meetings and everywhere else they need to go. We are inspired and humbled with what they accomplish every day as they support their grandchildren and their communities.
Book Launch
Powered by Love: A Grandmothers’ Movement to End AIDS in Africa
Click on image for full details of the event held Nov 8, 2017
NanGo Grannies Fund Raisers over the past few years.
Go to our events page to see a fuller history of past events.
All monies raised on behalf of the Stephen Lewis Foundation's endeavours to help African Grandmothers caring for children orphaned by AIDS.
NanGo Grannies' Arts & Crafts
ARRAY OF OUR ARTS & CRAFTS
Hobo Bag (Uganda)
Aprons
Sachets, Oils & Bath Salts
Heat Packs
Face Masks
Face Masks
Mug Rugs
Laptop Cases(17x13)
Tooth Fairy Bag
Casserole arrier
Bowl Holder
Infinity Scarf
Hot Pad
Fabric Xmas Tree Deco.
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