‘I love the purpose’: Victoria Grandmothers for Africa gear up for 20th Anniversary Cycle Tour
The Victoria Grandmothers for Africa have raised more than $2. 5 million for the Stephen Lewis Foundation's Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign to help grandmothers taking care of grandchildren in. . .
The Victoria Grandmothers for Africa have raised more than $2. 5 million for the Stephen Lewis Foundation's Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign to help grandmothers taking care of grandchildren in AIDS-ravaged Africa. (CHEK News)Vital People is brought to you in partnership with the Victoria Foundation. Riding along the Lochside Trail in Saanich, these are theVictoria Grandmothers for Africaand they’re a fundraising force to be reckoned with. “I learned about the group about 10 years ago, and I just so admired them, I always wanted to do something with them, so last year I thought I better do something,” says Liz Bicknell of Victoria Grandmothers for Africa “The people in the group are just absolutely fantastic. ”More than a 150 members strong, the Victoria Grandmothers for Africa are celebrating their 20th anniversary this year. Watch Vital People below:Loading the player. . . “They are amazing women, absolutely amazing, it’s very inclusive, intelligent, fun and very caring,” says participant Pat Penner. “The ages are 55 plus,” adds Wendy Mazza. “We’re older, but we’re not done yet. We’re not invisible, and we like to get out there and show people what we’re doing and why. ”Pedalling with a purpose, they’ve raised more than $2. 5 million for theStephen Lewis Foundation‘sGrandmothers to Grandmothers Campaignto help grandmothers taking care of grandchildren in AIDS-ravaged Africa. “I love the purpose, it’s purposeful riding,” Wendy says. “Not only do we have camaraderie, we also raise many funds for a good cause, and cycling around the island, of course, is a bonus. ”This year’s20th Anniversary Cycle Tourruns until Sept. 13, and it’s a special tribute to Stephen Lewis, who died earlier this year. “I think what really struck me was that he thought that one person could change the world and how he had walked into an African village, saw the grandmothers raising orphan grandchildren, and he thought he could make a difference, and he did. ”With theTrump administration’s devastating US AID cutsdecimating grassroots programs and HIV prevention, the Grandmothers know their fundraising is more important than ever. “I’ve worked in Africa for 15 years, so I’ve seen firsthand how these small little co-ops do so much with so little,” Liz says. “It’s important as you age to pay attention to the needs of people, and it came to my attention that this is a big need,” adds Wendy. To help meet that need, the Victoria Grandmothers for Africa are hoping more women will join them in making a difference. “I spent my working years volunteering in many countries in the world, and always enjoyed it,” Pat says. “People would say, “Oh, that’s wonderful that you do it”, but actually what you get out of it is more than what you put into it. ”Loading the player. . . Tess van Straaten is an award-winning journalist with more than 25 years of experience doing everything from news and weather to hosting a live morning show. A fourth-generation Victorian, Tess went. . . More by Tess van Straaten