Can a group of talented handcrafters use their passion and skills to raise funds for a cause? You bet we can.
It started as an idea in 2005 before the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign was even established. A small group of talented women began by selling handmade purses and bags at local markets and sending the proceeds to the Stephen Lewis Foundation. In 2006, they held their first stand alone sale – a sell out event.
2025 BB&B will be October 17 and 18, 2025 at Marda Loop Communities Association.
In 2008, the first BAG, BABIES & BEYOND (BB&B) was held in its current venue, Marda Loop Communities Association, and the rest is a success story. BB&B, held each October, is one of the two main UJAMAA GRANDMAS annual fund raising events. Handcrafters work all year long with guidance and support from a Handcrafts Committee. Throughout the year, workshops and demos are held, feedback is provided for what sells well and raw materials or kits are provided for many items. While some of the raw material for workshops and kits comes from local business supporters, most comes from the highly successful FABRIC & YARN SALE. There is a synergy that makes both events vital to the overall success of UJAMAA GRANDMAS’ fundraising efforts.
At BB&B, customers find member-created, high-quality, handcrafted items for the individual from head to toe, from babies to grandparents plus gift items for hostesses and best friends and items for the home. And you never know what else you will find as every year there is something new in our product lines.
When the doors open, shoppers make a bee line for their favourite section and we try our best to keep it looking good and easy to find. During the sale, Members, identified by their UJAMAA GRANDMAS logo-emblazoned aprons, provide assistance to shoppers, model items, keep displays, props and signs in order and restock as the sale progresses.
ACCESSORIES
- Hats
- Scarves
- Shawls
- Cowls
- Vests
- Mittens
- Socks, Slippers
PURSES and BAGS
- Handbags
- Purses
- Totes
- Backpacks
- Wallets
- Pouches
JEWELRY
- Necklaces
- Pendants
- Beadwork
- Charms
- Giftware
- Travel
HOME DECOR
- Table wear
- Placements
- Coasters
- Handcrafted wooden items
- Wall hangings
- Small quilts
SEASONAL
- Table runners
- Ornaments
- Hostess gifts
- Cards
- Gift bags
CHILDREN
- CHILDREN’S CLOTHING
- Hats
- Sweaters
- Outfits
- Slippers
- Mittens
- NON-WEARABLES
- Dolls
- Toys
- Play mats
- Puppets
- Decor Items
- Diaper Bags
Gross proceeds by year
- 2023 – $42,074
- 2022 – $35,483
- 2021 – $37,166
- 2020 – $25,105
- 2019 – $48,000
- 2018 – $47,170
- 2017 – $48,700
- 2016 – $48,500
- 2015 – $44,600
- 2014 – $50,500
- 2013 – $40,000
- 2012 – $34,500
- 2011 – $33,800
- 2010 – $27,900
- 2009 – $22,900
- 2008 –
- 2007 – $12,000
- 2006 – $6000
Our thanks go to the following supporters:
- Marda Loop Communities Association for their support before and during the sale.
- Along Came Quilting
- And of course, we could never do what we do without the support of the FABRIC & YARN Committee working hand-in-hand with HANDCRAFTS Committee.
Our Local Community Support:
In addition to the financial contribution that goes to the Foundation as a result of the sale, we also support the work of local charities by donating a portion of our unsold items. It is rewarding to also impact our local community with these in-kind donations.
Please direct all queries to handcrafts@ujamaagrandmas.