Category Archives: WHAT’S NEW

Stride To Turn The Tide

Thanks to those of you who have joined our Stride to Turn the Tide 2025 campaign in June – there are 10 of us already!  This is a much needed fundraising activity.  The Stephen Lewis Foundation (SLF) surveyed 98 African Community Based Organizations in February, all of whom have been devastated by this funding loss due to the effects of halting of US-funded work in 14 countries.

Most of us are busy with projects and activities on a daily basis and can easily help fundraise for the (SLF).  The beauty of ‘Stride’ is that we raise funds by asking our family and friends to donate for every 5km of activity you do – or even a smaller lump sum, such as $20, for your months’ activity.  We keep track on a weekly basis of the time we spend:  each hour of activity = 5 km.  Report the distance each Sunday evening or Monday morning to our Recorder.

If any of you would like to take the lead on our Stride team, or offer to be our weekly recorder of our time spent on our respective activities, please let me know at message@ujamaagrandmas.com – attn Stride.

Our team lead will provide information on how to sign up for Stride To Turn the Tide.

Many thanks
Jan Geggie, Lead for 2024

Southern Alberta Liaison – May Report

Not a lot to report. I’m a little late for election advocacy having been on vacation. Everyone at SLF is gearing up for the Africa trip. I’m sure all the participants will have an interesting and fun time.
Please save the date for Knit In Public day June 7. Stash, who sponsored the event last year, has not finalized the details yet. Last year it was lots of fun and a great way to advertise Ujamaa. We had knitting and crochet races for those who were interested. I will share more details as I get them.
I attended the Medicine Hat Grannies fabric and yarn sale which went very well. They raised 14,000+ dollars in 5 hours. All leftovers go to different charities and some are saved for next year. The Rotary club is continuing the event next year as the Grannies were finding it was too much lifting.
I also attended the Mountain Grannies chilli supper which was sold out and very successful. This annual event is full of fun and fellowship.Looking forward to seeing everyone at the Ujamaa fabric and Yarn sale and enjoy the Spring,
Judy

Education Committee ~ May 2025 Report

Developing Families Together – Ethiopia

Developing Families Together (DFT) receives some of its funding from the Stephen Lewis Foundation and is dedicated to reducing poverty, preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS and enhancing the health, education and well-being of vulnerable populations in Ethiopia. The funded projects focus on gender equality, and women’s empowerment and community development which has resulted in significant and lasting impacts on the targeted populations. DFT has achieved significant milestones, positively impacting the lives of thousands of Ethiopians.

The result of the programs that SLF funds:

  • 620 orphan and vulnerable children received quality care
  • 450 grandmothers were supported with food, sanitary materials and income generation activities. Basic Business, Parenting, Sanitation and Hygiene skills trainings were provided for grandmothers.
  • 50 home-based caregivers were trained and then they provided palliative care for 500 people living with HIV/AIDS
  • 752 women living with HIV/AIDS, guardians of orphan children, grandmothers and young women most at risk to the HIV are economically self-reliant and leading better livelihoods