We have re-branded! We are now Vested Interest: A Climate Fashion Show. A short CBC film titled “Vested” will be completed and available by the end of January.
The initial series of shows in 2025 in Lethbridge, Edmonton, Red Deer, Canmore and Calgary were more successful than ever anticipated. Stories of Climate Change really resounded with the audiences as their attention was also riveted on the often-humorous garments. Even the increasing number of men attending were enthusiastic.
The 2026 season for Vested Interest should be exciting with local shows booked, shows in Edmonton and Canmore, and a road trip through B.C. in May/June for Grandmother shows in the Interior and on the Coast. There is also an invitation to take the show to Ottawa in September for the 20th Anniversary celebrations of the Grandmothers Campaign.
Volunteers needed:
We have been a small very dedicated team on-call for helping with various shows as the need arises. And now we would like to expand with more volunteers available to be a Stage Manager, Wardrobe Mistress or Models. In most cases the sponsoring group can provide these volunteers but we do need back-up volunteers just in case this is not possible. This is not a heavy-duty volunteer commitment-and it is always fun – so please join us!
Contact Ellen if interested in hearing more: message@ujamaagrandmas.com

Nyaka Agency receives funding from the Stephen Lewis Foundation
UNAIDS data indicates that there are still 10.3 million children orphaned by AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa who still require support.
Twesigye Jackson Kaguri founded Nyaka in 2001, an organization in rural southwestern Uganda, in response to the devastating impact of HIV/AIDS in his home village and surrounding districts. Nyaka’s mission is to provide free education to children who have lost one or both parents to HIV/AIDS. By empowering grandmothers as primary caregivers, providing healthcare services, and actively working to prevent and address sexual and gender-based violence, Nyaka creates a nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive.
Nyaka now supports 23, 000 grandmothers in the three districts where they operate. On average each grandmother supports about four orphaned or vulnerable children in their care.
One grandmother, Grace, at eighty-one years old, joined Nyaka in 2007. As a grandmother advocate., Grace states that Nyaka recognizes the special role that grandmothers play in communities. She and other advocates have been educated about their rights concerning land, health, property and decision making and the importance of education for their grandchildren.
Nyaka works with grandmothers to build homes, kitchens and latrines which has improved hygiene and sanitation for families. More grandmothers are able to access water using water harvesting tanks received through SLF financial support. Women and girls no longer have to walk long distances to access water. More girls are now able to attend school.
Quote from Grace: “SLF has done a great job, and we salute it for the love and kindness it has shown us. I am grateful to God that I am still healthy and able to walk and do everything. I am proud to belong to this group which has provided a platform for grandmothers to advocate for their rights.”
Submitted by the Education and Awareness Committee (Judy, Charmaine and Susan)