The Grandmothers of Alberta for a New Generation (also know as GANG) and Women of Hope are hosting a promotional art tour to help their counterparts in Africa. The two Edmonton based groups help to support the Stephen Lewis Foundation any way they can, creating awareness and fundraising to support many amazing women half a world away.
Celebrating African Grandmothers: Heroes of the Continent is a traveling art exhibit organized by one of the groups' counterparts on the West Coast. The show features 40 submissions from artists across Canada, the United States and Europe. The collection is meant to tell the story of hope regarding the AIDS epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa, and also to revel in the success stories over the years.
Local painter Barbara Would Schaefer is one of the contributors. She explained that it's important to further the struggle of African grandmothers, many of whom have become primary caregivers for their grandchildren and their immediate families because of AIDS and HIV.
"When I was told about this, I was moved by the plight of these African grandmothers who have little to begin with," she started, "and then while mourning the loss of their own children from AIDS, they take on the responsibility of providing for their children. As a grandmother, I understand that love."
It is estimated that there are approximately 15 million AIDS orphans on that continent alone.
The exhibit began its journey in British Columbia back in May and is about to make its stop here as it winds its way through 15 locations in western Canada, all the way to Brandon, Manitoba before returning to Westminster, B.C. next March for a gala auction event in conjunction with International Women's Day.
There will be an opening reception from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday and the exhibit runs until Thursday, Sept. 26. The Nina Haggerty Centre for the Arts is located at 9225 118 Avenue in Edmonton. Call 780-474-7611 or visit www.thenina.ca for more information. Visit www.grandmotherscampaign.org to learn more about the cause.
The Grandmothers to Grandmothers campaign supports more than 300 grassroots projects involved with the HIV/AIDS pandemic in the region. These projects help to provide these compassionate caregivers with better access to healthcare, nutritious food, bereavement support, microcredit loans, school fees, and other resources needed to plan for their and their grandchildren's futures.
Event to help stop domestic violence
It's been just over a year and the Warrior Princess Project is still going strong. Now, it's back again with a new event to entertain and to help support a very important cause.
Organizer and chairperson Nicole Pawlik explained that the artist-run effort works for women's rights and safety in our communities by having a tripartite mandate to educate, protect and empower. Last year's event, held at the Beer Hunter Pub, worked to benefit Edmonton's WIN House for women escaping domestic violence situations.
This year, the venue has changed and the beneficiary has too, but the cause is still the same.
"We've grown a lot in the last year," she began, "We've come leaps and bounds."
Things haven't been finalized yet but she's been in discussions with the Jessica Martel Foundation to be this year's beneficiary.
"Our charity is a little bit different. We don't always go with the same charity although we support everyone that has a cause like ours."
The 2nd annual Warrior Princess Project Music Fundraiser takes place at Hundred Bar on Sunday, September 28, starting at 5:30 p.m.
The entertainment will include performances by DANITA, Michelle Molineux, 1000 Words For Water, Robbin Reay and Tang Twinz, with special guest Howard Overby from Big Brother 15. There will also be guest speakers including survivors of domestic violence, a raffle and auction, plus the photo booth – a returning favourite from the first event.
Tickets are $20. Funds will go to the Warrior Princess Project's operating costs. Pawlik hopes to raise $8,000.
Hundred Bar is located at 10009 101 Avenue in Edmonton. For more information or to buy tickets, visit warriorprincessproject-efbevent.eventbrite.ca or check out the group's Facebook page under 'Warrior Princess Project'.
Attendees can also choose to take in the Fall 2013 Western Canada Fashion Week Official After Party, happening in the same place at the same time. This comes with the chance for a more 'up close and personal' meet and greet/sit down dinner with Overby. That takes place from 5 to 7:30 p.m. You need to call Hundred Bar at 780-425-0100 to make a reservation.
