EVENTS and ACTIVITIES
We are thinking globally and acting locally. Many of our activities involve fundraising - all for the purpose of supporting the Grandmothers Campaign of the Stephen Lewis Foundation. We also reach out into the community by speaking in schools, churches and retirement residences. Since 2006 Grassroot Grannies have raised $1,119,433 for the Stephen Lewis Foundation. In 2023, we raised $80,545 through our annual Ride To Turn The Tide event and an additional $7,325 through the Plant Sale and Marketplace. Our Books, Crafts and Coffee event on October 27th raised $4,284.
We are always very grateful to our community supporters.
Canadian grannies
supporting
African grannies
The Grassroot Grannies
15th Ride to Turn the Tide
September 4th-5th 2024
Fundraising Events for 2024
The 2023 Ride to Turn the Tide raised $80,545!
Why we ride – to raise funds for the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign
of the Stephen Lewis Foundation, supporting African grandmothers raising their
grandchildren orphaned by the HIV/AIDS epidemic in sub-Sahara Africa. To learn
more, please visit https://grandmotherscampaign.org
Grassroot Grannies
Plant Sale and Market Place
Books, Crafts and Coffee
Friday, October 27th,2023
St Isidore Church, 1135 March Rd
We are thrilled to announce that this year's event generated $4,284.00 to be submitted to the Stephen Lewis Foundation. This is the highest ever for our book and craft fund-raiser. Congratulations to the organizing committee!
The venue was spacious, bright and inviting.
Feedback from guests was overwhelmingly positive.
Coffee was donated by Equator, home baked goods were provided by the Grannies.
This year The Grassroot Grannies chose a new venue, a new format and a new name for our book
exchange and craft event.
Participants enjoyed a casual atmosphere where they could catch up and socialize with friends while enjoying coffee and home-baked goodies.
The church was delighted to have our event there and have invited us back next year. Stay tuned!
Sweet 16! The Grassroot Grannies were excited to hold the most successful Plant Sale and Market Place ever on Mother's Day weekend, Saturday May 11th. We raised $8,444 for the Stephen Lewis Foundation. In spite of a wet weather forecast, the rain held off until after the event was finished.
Many of the Grassroot Grannies who volunteered time and energy to make the plant sale a success
Behind the Scenes of a Successful Plant Sale
The plant committee started planning and organizing months in advance. The vegetable and herb growers started growing their seeds in March. As well, many gardeners dug up and potted masses of plants for our sale. They were then transported, labelled, priced and set up the day before the sale.
Artistic crafters painted rocks and gnomes, made whimsical tea cup ornaments and produced clay pots, stepping stones and lovely pottery plates.
Others in the group helped haul and set up tents, tables, plants as well as clean up after the sale.
Val Woodward, Marg Terrett, Barb Rother and Stella Val set up the Market Place.
Some members do an amazing job of soliciting donations for the raffle including gift certificates, cards and various items.
As well there were youth volunteers, Granny Alumnae, family members and friends who carried out many other tasks. Some baked goodies to keep us going, others helped at the cash, and some provided plant expertise to the shoppers.
This is not an exhaustive list of all the tasks involved but this emphasizes that a successful sale is truly a team effort!
The Plant Sale
There was a great selection of plants this year. As well as a table full of perennials for both sun and shade, we offered some herbs and vegetables. Ann Williams and Annie Creighton were our resident horticulturalists available to advise customers.
There is a huge selection for everyone to choose from
Ann Williams with a selection of "Top Picks".
Ute Webb with the Pretty Pots for Mother's Day.
Enthusiastic Customers
Community Support
The Grassroot Grannies appreciate the support we receive from local elected officials.
Customers were already lined up along the street before opening. They were held back by tape which was cut at 8 am to let them in to shop. The Plant Sale and Market Place has many repeat customers. What was surprising was how many people were new customers who had searched for plant sales on the internet, seen the local signs or read about the sale in the community newspaper. Advertising and word of mouth help to make this event such a success.
First time trio found some some plants to take home.
Marg Terrett's decorative teacup ornaments were a hit with this customer.
This couple has already made their choices.
Jack Dyment and Jim Thomson with Karen McCrimmon, MPP for Kanata-Carleton.
Lina Hallé and Sheila Brady are with Cathy Curry, city councillor for Kanata North Ward.
Our Corporate Donors
The Venue
Carole and Arnie Redmond once again graciously allowed The Grassroot Grannies to hold the plant sale on their property
Carol Redmond receives a stepping stone in appreciation for her generosity and patience.
The Plan for The Ride to Turn the Tide 2024
The Ride to Turn the Tide has raised over $880,000 for the Grandmothers to Grandmothers campaign for the Stephen Lewis Foundation since 2010. To contribute to The Ride to Turn the Tide 2024, click here.
15
Years!
Cyclists will have a choice of either a 2-day or a 1-day cycle ride. The two-day riders can cycle a longer 113 km ride or a shorter 68 km ride. Both rides will start at Bushtukah in Stittsville and end up in Perth. One group will cycle through Merrickville and the other through Carleton Place. On the second day cyclists will choose a route which ends in Almonte for a group lunch. The 1-day cyclists will cycle from Ashton to join the group in Almonte at the Naismith Memorial Public School for a "Cycle-By" with the students. So far there are 20 cyclists registered for the 2-day ride and five cyclists for the 1-day ride. If you are interested in cycling The Ride to Turn the Tide this year contact Stella Val.
Highlights of the Ride
Riding with the group
Picnic lunch
Tailgate party in Perth
Dinner at Diana Bracegirdle's in Perth
"Cycle-By" at Naismith Memorial Elementary School in Almonte.
