We are Grandmothers and Grannies in Spirit
Grannies in Spirit formed after our founding member, Mary Partridge, attended the Grandmothers Gathering, organized by the Stephen Lewis Foundation in August, 2006. This Gathering brought together 100 African grandmothers and 200 Canadian grandmothers to discuss the challenge faced by African grandmothers.
In most of sub-Saharan Africa, between 40% to 60% of orphans live in a grandparent-headed household, usually a grandmother's.
In most of sub-Saharan Africa, between 40% to 60% of orphans live in a grandparent-headed household, usually a grandmother's.
I am struggling because I work a lot and I am not well...my niece was sick with AIDS and died last year. I looked after her because nobody else was interested...my sister's other daughter is presenting with it now...and another niece, a third one, is also having it. I am a guardian to all of them: they come to my house and I take care of them. I will be the one to take care of the orphans...My main worry is that I won't be able to work, and then what will happen?
— An African grandmother who is supporting 18 family members
Since that event the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign has taken off! The Campaign now comprises of over 240 groups located across Canada. Together we have raised over $19 million for the Stephen Lewis Foundation.
Grannies in Spirit is working on their second $100,000 to support African grandmothers and their grandchildren.
Grannies in Spirit is working on their second $100,000 to support African grandmothers and their grandchildren.