Canadian grandmothers helping African counterparts

The rhythm of African singing and drumming will reverberate through Centennial Square as grandmothers and others set out to stride two to five kilometres along downtown streets on June 8 at 10:30 a.m.

Walkers will wear colourful African scarves and kangas to show solidarity for the courageous and resilient grandmothers of Africa who walk every day out of necessity – to collect water and firewood, to deliver their grandchildren safely to school, to access health clinics, and to provide health care through home visits for so many living with HIV and AIDS.

The motto of the national walk is “We stride … so she can turn the tide of AIDS.”

Victoria Grandmothers for Africa group, the event sponsor, has helped the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign raise close to $1 million over the past three years. The money is distributed to African projects supported by the Stephen Lewis Foundation.

Anyone wishing to join the Victoria Grandmothers for Africa stride walk team or sponsor a walker may do so by going online to bit.ly/StrideVictoria13.

Registration is at 9:30 a.m. and the walk begins at 10:30 a.m. The registration cost of $15 includes an African scarf. There will also be performances by the Gettin Higher Choir and Mufaro Marimba Ensemble.

For more information contact Nelly Woodsworth at petronel@telus.net.