What are the Most Critical Issues Facing Orphaned African Children? (Part 1)

The Stephen Lewis Foundation (SLF) launched the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign in March 2006, in response to the emerging crisis faced by African grandmothers as they struggled to care for millions of children orphaned by AIDS. The Campaign aims to raise awareness, build solidarity and mobilize financial support in Canada for Africa’s grandmothers. The Campaign has since evolved into a dynamic and responsive national movement, and currently boasts more than 240 grandmothers groups across Canada. Many of the groups have organized into regional networks in order to support each other’s development and fundraising. We now know – and the evidence is clearer than ever – that the fastest and most effective way to collaborate effectively is through working with small, committed community-based organizations as they are the frontline experts, but can we turn the tide against AIDS in Africa soon? The speaker will discuss the challenges the African Grandmothers are up against and how with your support, they are actively advocating for their rights. Speaker: Louise Breadner Louise Breadner was raised in Saskatchewan, where she studied nursing and had a 30 year career in corporate health, safety and environmental programming. Louise first travelled to Africa in 1999 because of a lifelong dream of going on a safari. She has since been back to Africa four times with humanitarian projects in Uganda. Louise joined the Stephen Lewis Foundation Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign in 2007 as she was attracted by the Foundation's focus on supporting grassroots projects in sub-Saharan Africa. Louise currently resides in Calgary and is the liaison for nine Grandmothers groups in Southern Alberta. Moderator: Bertha Tiemstra Date: Thursday, November 20, 2014 Time: Noon - 1:30 PM (30 minutes each for presentation, lunch and Q & A) Location: Country Kitchen Catering (Lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr. S Cost: $11.00 (includes lunch) or $2.00 (includes coffee/tea at the presentation only)