In March 2006 Stephen Lewis, Canadian humanitarian and former UN Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa issued a call for Canadian grandmothers to bond with their African counterparts. In his travels Lewis noticed the phenomenal grandmothers who had buried their adult children and stepped in to raise the orphans left behind. They needed money for school fees and uniforms, food and other necessities. The Stephen Lewis Foundation launched the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign aimed to raise awareness, build solidarity and mobilize support in Canada for Africa's grandmothers.
The campaign has since evolved into a dynamic and responsive national movement, and currently boasts more than 240 grandmothers groups across the country. In the Vancouver area, three women answered the call. They were Barbara Clay from Coquitlam, Laurie Drummond and Carolyn Neighbor from Vancouver. They invited a few others and launched the Greater Van Gogos in the summer of 2006. (Gogo is the Zulu name for grandmother). A former teacher, Nina Matthews, 56, born in Pretoria, South Africa, joined the group in 2007. Matthews is the chair of the Communications Committee that seeks to help spread the word and work of the Gogo Grandmothers.
How many members do you currently have?
Greater Van Gogos currently has around 600 members with more joining all the time.
What are some of the initiatives the Greater Van Gogos have undertaken to answer the call?
Groups hold fundraising events year round such as bridge luncheons, fashion shows, concerts, one-of-a-kind artisan craft sales, penny collections, garage sales, sponsored walks and many others. Our iconic tote bag has become a sought-after item in the Lower Mainland.
Currently a number of groups have tables at various craft markets and locations selling delightful, one-of-a-kind hand-made gifts. More activities are being planned for next year including an Ivan Sayers Fashion Show in May 2013 in Vancouver and an adjudicated travelling art show will visit Vancouver in the spring of 2014.
What is the ultimate goal of your organization?
Our mandate is to listen to African grandmothers, respect their expertise and amplify their voices in order to promote authentic and substantive responses to the pandemic in Africa and so we raise funds, raise awareness and stand in solidarity with African Grandmothers. We promised African grandmothers that we would not rest until they could rest and so we aim to assist them to turn the tide on HIV/AIDS in Africa.
How are the funds helping the fight against AIDS?
The funds go to grass-roots community organizations to educate, support, and provide practical assistance to children, grandmothers and other community members whose lives have been severely affected by HIV/AIDS.
What is unique of the pandemic in Africa?
Sub-Saharan Africa is home to 68% of people in the world living with HIV/AIDS.
In 2010 there were 1.8 million AIDS-related deaths in the world, 1.2 million of those were in Africa. An estimated 3.4 million children under 15 were living with HIV in 2010, with more than 90% of them in sub-Saharan Africa.
What is the biggest misunderstanding of HIV/AIDS?
That HIV/AIDS is a death sentence. People can live long and productive lives with HIV/AIDS. There are drugs available that can prevent people dying from HIV/AIDS.
Biggest challenge?
Raising awareness among the residents of Greater Vancouver and encouraging them to help us raise funds so that we can further help to turn the tide on HIV/AIDS in Africa.
Biggest success?
Greater Van Gogos have raised over $1.3 million since we started.
Most proud of?
Each and every member of the group! Each has brought their creativity, ingenuity, skills and talents and tremendous energy and banded together to support each other, inspire each other, learn from each other and challenge themselves to do the difficult things necessary to raise the funds they do.
A memorable moment
Life, Above All was held last November at the Vancouver International Film Centre and on that occasion we were privileged to welcome some African grandmothers and staff members from a project in South Africa.
Best life lesson you've learned?
It is in giving that we receive. This is really true. I feel so enriched by my involvement in initiatives that help others in their need.
One lesson you'd love to give others?
Get involved and see what amazing things open up for you.
One thing you could change about the world?
Have more women making vital decisions. I would love it if the world would become more tolerant and respectful.
One thing you hate most about the world?
Greed, which breeds injustice.
One thing you wish Vancouverites would stop whining about?
The transit system. We can get anywhere in the city fairly quickly using public transport. In the grand scheme of things it's reliable and efficient and serves Vancouverites well.
What was your 'a-ha' moment?
While accompanying friends on a tour to Southern Africa it emerged that for many it became a 'trip of a lifetime' because they encountered people who opened their hearts and offered hospitality. The 'a-ha' moment was realizing that people are inspired by others' ability to rise above adversity.
Three words to live by
Respect, Gratitude, Generosity
Most thankful for
The love of family and friends... and sunny days
One thing you can't live without?
Sunshine.
Best place for coffee?
The Wilder Snail in Strathcona, a cozy space to enjoy good cup of coffee.
Favorite restaurant?
Jitlada Thai Restaurant on Broadway at Granville, a great new place with delicious food and lovely ambiance.
Favorite greasy spoon?
Ovaltine Café on East Hastings Street.
Biggest indulgence?
A relaxation massage
Last book read?
I can't remember! I need to join a book club :)
All-time favorite movie?
Life is Beautiful. I am reminded of how strong the human spirit can be and how we can be inspired to do amazing things when motivated by our dreams for a better future.
Favourite pastime?
Baking Christmas cookies with my granddaughter
Favourite sports team?
Canadian Women's Soccer team, a very gutsy group of women.
Last place traveled? Southern Africa. When friends heard that I was born there and lived there for 40 years, they often said that they would love to travel there, and so rather than just talk about it, I suggested we go as a group. My husband and I devised and suggested an itinerary, made the arrangements and set about making it happen. We have accompanied groups on three occasions and each time we were told by numerous participants that it had been a life-changing experience. It is gratifying to enable such journeys. The latest one was in September this year.
Best thing about this city?
The amazing natural beauty of the surroundings and numerous green spaces and the way Vancouverites come out to use these spaces especially on a sunny day.
Worst thing about this city?
The road work in the rainy season. It makes moving around the city a slow and frustrating process.
Your favourite neighbourhood?
Strathcona - the friendliest, quirkiest, most diverse neighbourhood I have lived in.
What would the perfect day in Vancouver look like for you?
A sunny, summer's day walk along the sea wall followed by a picnic in Queen Elizabeth Park and, in the evening, enjoying a performance at Bard-on the-Beach.
Community event, festival or gala that you look forward to every year?
The fireworks festival in English Bay. I love the long days and warm weather and the fireworks seem to get better every year.
The one place you take out-of-town visitors to show off our city?
The lookout at Queen Elizabeth Park - a wonderful vantage point especially in the springtime.
Who inspires you?
Nelson Mandela, Bishop Desmond Tutu, Stephen Lewis, Malala Yousufzai; they all remind me that it takes courage to do the right thing and it is often at huge personal cost.
Who bugs you?
People who glibly say homeless people should clean up and get a job. I have met numerous homeless people who have incredible stories. They battle daily against huge odds. Many lived with neglect and abuse as children, in addition, many have mental health issues such as fetal alcohol syndrome and ADHD among others and in an attempt to dull the pain, resorted to addictive substances which wrecked further havoc in their lives. For many, each new day is a challenge as they face the ugly reality of their addiction. Some manage to rise above it and do clean up and others keep trying. I am in awe of the courage and fortitude some homeless people display and the compassion and care they share with others. We can learn much about "community" from those who have no homes.
Local person you most admire?
My eight-year-old granddaughter, Kyla. She is so full of life and lives it to the full. I learn so much from her about living in the moment, laughing and playing and putting things into perspective.
Most overrated person?
Donald Trump
Most memorable celebrity encounter?
I recently had a picture taken with Bishop Tutu in Cape Town, South Africa.
