In honour of International Women’s Day, a group known as the Grandmothers on the Grand is celebrating the global community of women helping women by hosting two events.
The first is on International Women’s Day on March 8. The event is a complimentary celebration honouring Women of the World, held at the Elora Legion, Branch 229 at 7pm in the Maple Leaf Room.
“We’re going to have food tasting from local restaurants, including international foods,” said Laurie Black Rooney, part of the Grandmothers group. “This event is about getting together to celebrate women.”
She said the evening is a free, casual event featuring a marketplace of African goods, and will include a guest from the Stephen Lewis Foundation, as well as two local women, Annie McLeod, speaking about Aboriginal women, and Erin Rooney, talking about women from Honduras.
“This event is open to everyone and we really hope men will feel welcome to come and take part in the celebrations,” Black Rooney said.
The second event is the second annual Grandmothers curling bonspiel on March 10 at the Fergus Curling Club.
It begins at 8:30am with an entry fee of $30 that includes breakfast, a hot lunch, awards and door prizes. There will be a marketplace of African-crafted items.
“We are encouraging participants to get sponsorships, but it’s not mandatory,” said Black Rooney, noting tax receipts will be provided for any donations over $20. “We really just want people to come out and have fun and raise some money. We’re looking for teams of men, women or even co-ed teams. It’s a great event for everyone.”
Teams need to register in advance by calling Black Rooney at 519-787-1092.
The Grandmothers of the Grand raise funds to support the efforts of the Stephen Lewis Foundation for the campaign Grandmothers of Africa.
Funds will provide grandmothers in Africa with food, school fees and school uniforms for grandchildren, income-generating projects, counselling and social support, as well as the coffins to allow for a dignified burial of their loved ones.
