UJAMAA GRANDMAS is successful because we are a group of women from all parts of the city with a wide variety of interests. We enjoy getting together. We like the work that we do and feel that there is a sense of purpose as well as a sense of fun. We feel that we are helping the broader community of African Grandmothers at the same time that we are helping other people here in the city. Through our efforts to raise money for the Stephen Lewis foundation we are also supporting each other. We are committed to the values of respect, patience, open-mindedness, compassion and kindness.
Our CONNECTIONS TEAM is dedicated to nurturing our own community and to providing opportunities for members to meet, share experiences and enjoy the company of like-minded friends.
“You don’t know what someone is going through, be kind ~ always.”
That is a sentiment worth remembering on a daily basis. Recognizing that those around us may have limitations because they are dealing with a difficult situation that we cannot identify, yet needs to be honoured, is in keeping with everything UJAMAA GRANDMAS stands for. Being mindful of the fact that others can be fighting a battle that you are completely unaware of is a great strength. Some of our members are struggling with their health, or an injury, or supporting a family member going through treatment for a health crisis. Others are dealing with loss, possibly brought on by the pandemic. And there are those that simply find the restrictions put in place around Covid 19 extremely difficult. The reality is we all have times in our journey that challenge us.
One of the greatest strengths of UJAMAA GRANDMAS is: ‘we do what we can, when we can’. What a welcoming and embracing mantra! That mindset has acted as a form of support to all of us at different times as we have dealt with life’s challenges. May we continue to shed light on each other to ease a burden, may we continue to be patient and understanding with each other when working together, and of course, when we have a choice, and we always have a choice, may we do what we so often do, may we lead with kindness.
TIPS FOR VIRTUAL MEETINGS
Over the past year, we have been introduced to virtual meetings (often via Zoom) in ways we never imagined possible. To support our membership in the use of Zoom and other technologies, we have put together a little document to further assist everyone’s success in using the technology. There are tips for both the person new to virtual meetings as well as for those familiar with online meetings who are seeking some additional ideas.
If you have additional tips to share, please let us know at message@ujamaagrandmas.com.
IN APPRECIATION
The members of UJAMAA GRANDMAS share their many talents and contribute to the awareness and fundraising work in support of The Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign of the Stephen Lewis Foundation.
With respect, listed below are the names of our members who have passed on this year. We hope that this, in some small way, acknowledges their contributions and that their family and friends know that they are missed and appreciated.
Hilda Hunter
Chris Havard
Susan McLean
Kathy O’Grady
Eileen Onysiuk
Jan Heath
Dani Tidsbury
Judith Watt
Sylvia Carleton
RETURN HOME SIGN UP AS A MEMBER SIGN UP AS A CUSTOMER 15 YEARS TOGETHER – OUR STORIES