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Grannies sale raises $5K for families impacted by HIV/AIDS

November 9, 2018   ·   0 Comments

By Wendy Gabrek

Grandmothers Embrace, the local chapter of the Stephen Lewis Grandmothers to Grandmothers organization, held its annual Jewellery Sale at St. John United Church in Alliston on Saturday, October 26.

The event raised more than $5000 for the Grandmother’s Campaign.

“We start collecting jewellery in July, and donations were coming in right up to the day of the sale,” said Grandmothers Embrace representative, Mary Abernathy. “Donors are mostly women, but husbands have called us to say their wife has died, and he knows his wife would have liked to support our group. Most of the donors live in the Alliston and Beeton area, however we have a loyal group in downtown Toronto.  A member has a niece in the legal community in TO. This year, the Barrie Grandmothers and ‘Grandothers’ group, sent a whole lot of jewellery, scarves and purses to us.”

In addition to scarves, purses, and jewellery the Grannies also sold gently used and new brooches, bracelets, necklaces, rings, watches, earrings, and seasonal items for Christmas,

“We, six to twelve Grannies, have been pricing, one morning a week for six weeks,” said Abernathy. “We have been giving some unsold jewellery to other Grandmother groups who have similar fundraising events in Orillia and Campbellford.”

“Our group now has thirty active members,” added Abernathy. “This is the fifth year for the Jewellery and Accessories Sale. It is the main fundraiser for the fall. In the winter months we will be having an Education and Awareness Raising event, and in the spring our Hot Lunch.”

In November 2017, the Stephen Lewis Foundation released a new book documenting the Grandmothers Campaign, entitled, Powered by Love.

“We will not rest until they can rest,” said Abernathy of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa, where support from these fundraisers is funneled.

“Thank you to the community for generously giving us donations to make the sale possible, and then coming and refreshing their closets and jewelry boxes with new items,” said Abernathy.

To donate throughout the year call Mary, 705 250-3353, or Sharron, 705 435-0809.

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