Each year around the world International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8.
Hundreds of events occur throughout March to mark the economic, political, and social achievements of women. It is a day of global celebration of women and Centre Wellington will be no exception.
In different regions the focus ranges from general celebration of respect, appreciation, and love towards women to a celebration of women’s achievements. Organizations, governments, and women’s groups around the world often choose different themes each year that reflect global and local gender issues.
The Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign with the Stephen Lewis Foundation was launched on March 7, 2006 on the eve of International Women’s Day.
Since the launch, more than 250 groups across Canada – more than 5,000 grandmothers and “grandothers” – have raised funds, awareness, and support for African grandmothers and the orphans in their care.
The Grandmothers to Grandmothers campaign supports African grandmothers in their fight against the AIDS pandemic by raising funds to meet the immediate needs of African grandmothers and the children they look after and by building solidarity among and between African and Canadian Grandmothers.
The Grandmothers of the Grand in Centre Wellington, with the Fergus Curling Club, will be hosting a bonspiel on March 8 not only to celebrate and honour the triumphs and achievements of women, but to raise funds and awareness for African Grandmothers and their orphans. It starts at 9am.
Participants will have the opportunity to curl in a fun atmosphere, enjoy breakfast and lunch, buy African jewellery and baked goods. It will be a chance to celebrate and know the money is going to frontline, grassroots organizations in sub-Saharan Africa to assist grandmothers looking after the orphans in their care.
There will be a DVD of a recent trip to South Africa and Swaziland by one of the members of the Grandmothers of the Grand.
Organizers are looking for female curlers interested in a morning of curling and celebrating women.
In a recent email, Laurie Black Rooney stated “I am happy to tell you that not only were we able to get 32 female curlers, we now have 32 male curlers including a team of boys from the high school. So, hopefully our fundraising bonspiel will be a success.”
Anyone interested in the bonspiel can contact Black Rooney at 519 787-1092.
Chong speaks up
Cinda Richardson noted that Wellington Halton Hills MP Michael Chong was going to speak to Bill C-393 on March 3.
“This is a huge step in the advocacy of the bill as the Conservatives have not indicated how they are voting. Good for Michael – he is a man of honour. The vote is scheduled for March 29. We know that the Liberals have been “strongly advised” to vote for it.
Let them eat cake
Richardson commented on another event held by Grandmothers of the Grand – a party at the Elora Legion March 8 from 7 to 10pm.
“We are having a party and there is going to be cake.”
Richardson said, “The response has been wonderful and the support has been terrific. We have two sponsors who are underwriting our costs so that all of our funds raised will go to the Stephen Lewis Foundation.”
The event marks the 100th anniversary of International Womens’ Day and all of the funds raised will go to support the works of the foundation.
In addition to the local events, organizers plan to be linked worldwide via “a simulcast of events around the world and the event in Elora has been selected as the “Canadian representation” by the International Womens’ Network.”
Richardson added, “Laurie Black-Rooney will be telling us of her participation in the African-Canadian gathering in Swaziland. She and 40 women from across Canada were selected by the Stephen Lewis Foundation to participate in this amazing time of sharing with many African Grandmothers. Come and hear her first hand account of these inspirational women. There will be women of song and music, all of whom have donated their time and talents to raise our spirits.”
There will be a marketplace to shop at, featuring the artistry of Kazuri Jewellery – a co-op of African women. There will be a silent auction. A mini pipe band has been donated by the Fergus Pipe Band. For the top bid buyers can have them at an event any time within a year and within a hours’ drive.
Richardson said, “The underlying issues are serious, we all know that. This will be time to take a lesson from our African sisters and come together in community to celebrate our achievements and the blessings of womanhood.”
There is no admission and everyone is welcome.
