The CAMROSE BOOSTER, November 17, 2020 – Page 12
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Remembering every day
Lori Larsen, Camrose Booster
Even though Remembrance Day is officially Nov. 11, for Camrosian Kelly Wiebe and many others, every day should serve as a reminder of those who sacrifice the comforts of home, and for some who pay the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, the members of our armed forces.
Grateful Grannies assist those miles away By Lori Larsen
As the Christmas season draws near, no doubt many people will be thinking a little differently about how they will be celebrating the season. The Camrose and area Grateful Grannies Christmas Market is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year–a remarkable decade of giving back. This year, however, the organizers have had to think outside the box in order to accommodate Alberta Health recommendations, still offering the wares of the market while keeping patrons and volunteers safe. The Grateful Grannies Market will be held at Duggan Mall during the Saturday morning Farmers’ Market for four weeks, starting Nov. 28 until Dec. 19, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. “At a time of year so steeped in tradition, we are being forced to make drastic changes to how we celebrate and enjoy each other’s company,” said Christmas Market chairperson Janet Galenza. “The Grateful Grannies have also faced many challenges this year. We have tried to keep both our members and the public engaged in our fundraising goals, while trying to ensure both the safety of our families and the safety of others.” Galenza indicated that the Grateful Grannies hope this is a temporary measure for this year, but that they do appreciate how well received they were by the organizers of the Farmers’ Market. “We sincerely appreciate their generosity in accommodating our group.” In previous years,
members of the Camrose and area Grateful Grannies would have gathered for “working bees” to construct a variety of feature items for the market, including the very popular AIDS angels and Scandinavian gnomes, which are available for purchase at The Lefse House year round. These items will be available at the market as well. “We always have a good variety of other crafts from our many talented members, such as pottery, quilting, sewing and other items,” said Galenza. “This year, we were planning to celebrate the 10 years that the Grateful Grannies have been raising funds for the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign, but our gathering plans have unfortunately been put on hold until it is safe to do so. However, we are all still proud of the fact that we have raised almost $200,000 in the past 10 years with the sale of angels, accounting for almost $25,000 of that. These angels are also available for purchase year round at Quilting from the Heart.” Galenza added that the yearly Christmas Market usually provides them with $5,000 to $7,000 to send directly to the Stephen Lewis Foundation. “It is our biggest fundraiser of the year, so we are hoping the community will continue to support our cause.” Reaching worldwide
The Grateful Grannies are a dedicated group of grandmothers and grand “others” who, along with hundreds of other groups across Canada, raise money to support the African grandmothers. These
grandmothers are working tirelessly to raise their orphaned grandchildren, whose parents have died in the AIDS/HIV pandemic that continues to exact a toll on sub-Saharan Africa. Unfortunately, this year, COVID has been an immeasurable burden with additional stress placed on food supply, health care access, employment, school restrictions and isolation requirements. “Without the social safety net that we are so lucky to have in Canada, these families in Africa are facing many challenges,” said Galenza. The Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign raises money to finance community-based organizations which identify where funding is most needed and support these areas of need. “Grassroots movements such as ours are starting to make many transformative changes in dealing with the demands of fighting diseases such as AIDS/HIV.” The Grateful Grannies of Camrose and area encourage people to continue supporting their cause by either donating craft items, or attending the market and picking out a unique handcrafted gift for those special people in your life and assisting others a world apart. This year has people fusing new traditions with old traditions, and the tradition of giving may be taking on a new form. For many, it may mean a deeper connection to those receiving the gift, and how a gift can give beyond the recipient. For more information or to donate handcrafted items, contact Janet Galenza at 780-679-2676.
Homemade gifts
SPECIAL OCCASIONS Happy Birthday to
ONE GREAT LADY Time flies when you’re having fun!
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Lori Larsen, Camrose Booster The Grateful Grannies Christmas Market features a variety of homemade crafts that would make perfect, unique gifts for the holiday season, including their AIDS Angels, left, and adorable Gnomes, above. They are gifts that will have the potential to reach out around the world.
