Grateful Grannies Christmas Market, gifts from the heart

By Murray Green

The Camrose branch of the Royal Canadian Legion remembered those who stood up for Canada in past wars and conflicts, and celebrated 100 years of the symbol of the poppy at the Remembrance Day Service at the Jeanne and Peter Lougheed Performing Arts Centre on November 11.

The service was led by Legion president Adrian Zinck and chaplain MaryAnn Pastuck.

“From east and west, and from north and south, we gather on this day of Remembrance to give thanks and praise. We come to be inspired by the word of God and honour the sacrifices of those who committed themselves to service before self. In times of peace, in times of conflict, and times of uncertainty, we remember that we are not alone. We are the people of God connected across time and space from generation to generation. We are united by the One who said no one has greater love than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. We gather our thoughts, prayers and our feelings,” said chaplain Pastuck.

Olivia Belanger read from Scriptures and local poet Liza Kozak shared her writing recognizing the 100th anniversary of the poppy.

Tyler Weber addressed the audience on behalf of MP Damien Kurek.

“Each November, Canadians wear poppies, give readings of In Flanders Fields, we participate in services at cenotaphs and community centres. We have two minutes of silence to remember, we can live in freedom. Veterans’ Week honours the service, courage and sacrifice our men and women in uniform have made, around the world and at home, across many generations. It’s hard today to imagine the trenches of the First World War or the air raids of the Second World

Murray Green, Camrose Booster

Camrose branch of the Royal Canadian Legion president Adrian Zinck, right, watches MLA Jackie Lovely place a wreath on behalf of the province during the Remembrance Day Service held at the Jeanne and Peter Lougheed Performing Arts Centre on November 11.

War, or even the fear of the Cold War igniting again. And yet each year, it is our duty to take a moment to thank those who donned our nation’s uniform. I encourage every Canadian to take time to reflect on those who faced insurmountable odds. Let us remember our current soldiers who serve in war-torn countries to provide security to support democratic movements. On Remembrance Day, let us remember those sacrifices and the unseen battle scares. Let us not forget the families that stand behind those who serve,” said Weber.

“This is a special Remembrance Day for the Camrose Legion because it marks the 100th anniversary of the poppy, the symbol of remembrance. I support all of the hard work done by the Legion for this day, and all the work it does to raise money for veterans. We gather today to honour those who laid down their lives to protect our nation. We honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice for us and our country. I’m grateful we can live our lives in peace. That is why we take a moment to reflect on those who paid the ultimate price,” said MLA Jackie Lovely.

“We are here to honour family members who gave up their safety for us. During the Second World War, Camrose served as a place to prepare people to go to war with training at the old fairgrounds that turning into army training grounds. Canadian boys were in Camrose to receive basic training, and many of those would not return. Today, as every November 11th since 1931, we honour the sacrifice young men and women made to Canada, losing their lives for us. Armistice Day was recognized since the end of the First World War; we now honour those in other wars, who dedicated their lives to help people both in Canada and across the globe. From the Army to the Navy and Air Force, the work continues to assist with basic medical services and food security. The work of those people benefits others worldwide. Today we honour, commemorate and remember them,” said Camrose Mayor PJ Stasko.

The Camrose and Area Children’s Choir, École Camrose Composite High School Band (via video) and Donna Schroeder provided music for the service. Alex Oliver played the bagpipes and Bob Bailey played the trumpet during the service.

By Lori Larsen

The holiday season is quickly approaching, and with the chill in the air comes a sense of anticipation for the season and thoughts of finding unique gifts to present to loved ones or friends.

The annual tradition of the Grateful Grannies Christmas Market conjures up ideas for homemade, handcrafted items for gifts that not only bring joy to the receiver, but to others who are worlds away.

“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,” explained Grateful Grannies (Camrose and Area) member Janet Galenza. “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.” Galenza added that this year, COVID has placed an immeasurable burden with additional stress on food supply, healthcare access, employment, school restrictions and isolation requirements. “While we in Canada are starting to plan for a post-COVID reality, where we can once again reconnect with loved ones, travel and venture out, many of our partners in Sub-Saharan Africa are finding that hope and optimism are out of reach in the face of dealing with two pandemics.”

Due to the uncertainty around COVID restrictions, the Grateful Grannies Christmas Market will once again be forgoing the usual location at the Bailey Theatre and moving the market to the Duggan Mall Saturday morning Farmers’ Market for four weeks starting November 27 until December 18. The Farmers’ Market operates from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.

“The Grateful Grannies have been facing many challenges, both in trying to keep our membership and the public engaged in our cause, while also ensuring the safety of our friends and family,” commented Galenza. “We were very warmly received by the Farmers’ Market last year, and felt this would be our safest option, with all the uncertainty that COVID continues to bring to our attempts at planning.”

The Grateful Grannies Christmas Market will feature a variety of homemade items, including the popular AIDS angels and delightful gnomes.

“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. With two pandemics to battle, our help is needed more than ever.”

For more information, or if you wish to donate items to the Grateful Grannies Christmas Market, contact Janet Galenza at 780-679-2676.