The local chapter of the Grandmothers to Grandmothers charity group is once again calling on the community’s support to raise funds for struggling children in Africa.
On Sept. 14, the group is hosting a steak supper night at the Crushed Can, beginning at 5 p.m. The event features a steak and caesar salad supper, with a chicken or vegan option to substitute for those who don’t eat red meat.
“It's going to help so many people. They could have a date night, a birthday night, or maybe it's an 'oh, I just want to be out of the house, to go out with my friends' night while helping other people,” said Marilyn Cropp Wall, member of the local Moose Jaw chapter.
All of the funds raised by the group are sent to the Stephen Lewis Foundation, which passes on 90 per cent of every dollar directly to the numerous community-run programs and initiatives that the Foundation works on overseas.
The darker pink represents the countries that the Stephen Lewis Foundation helps set up community-run programs to support those affected by AIDS and other societal issues. (supplied)Alongside the counselling and health-related supports, the Foundation also works to ensure that women and girls can stay in school, have access to food banks and medicine, and have support regarding sexual violence.
The Grandmothers campaign is the fundraising branch of the Stephen Lewis Foundation, with more than 200 groups in Canada that have raised over $33 million since 2003. The Moose Jaw chapter began in 2006, and has collected more than $34,000 over the years.
There are a handful of upcoming events set out for this year, including the upcoming steak supper.
The group has a raffle going on, with tickets priced at $2 and prizes like a queen-sized quilt, gift certificates, and a certificate for free car washes available to win. Bake sales, craft sales, and even holiday-themed events are on the group’s to-do list throughout the year.
The Moose Jaw Grandmothers branch is also planning a fabric sale in the spring and could use help planning and setting up the event.
Volunteers are always needed and welcome, said Wall, admitting that some fresh ideas could help the group immensely.
“Some people latch onto the idea that the name is Grandmothers to Grandmothers and think it has to be a woman, has to be a mother, has to be a grandmother,” said Wall. “But no, any caring, responsible adult can join and help.”
Things as small as helping sell tickets to events, making up posters, or bring some crafty skills to the table for future sales is all the group is looking for in its volunteers.
Wall said the group has a personal goal to raise $5,000 this year, a task that could use some support from the community.
“That would be a wonderful goal for us to strive for because we're a small group. Small groups can make a difference,” said Wall. “We would love to have more people involved.”
The group meets once a month at St. Aidan Anglican Church at 1:30 p.m. and the door is always open to new faces, said Wall. The next monthly meeting will take place on Sept. 23.
Stopping by a meeting is an easy way to get involved with any of the fundraisers the group is working on, as well as calling either 1 (306) 693-3848 or 1 (306) 693-4496 for more information.
Tickets for the upcoming steak supper can be purchased from any Moose Jaw Grandmothers to Grandmothers member, as well as at the Zion United Church main office.
