The Stephen Lewis Foundation has been asking Canadians how grandmothers inspire them for International Women’s Day. We are pleased to share the following stories and reflections with you.

Grandmothers inspire me by being always patient, encouraging, innovative, loving, caring and being role models to others.

Hedef Foundation
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I have 2 grandmothers I would like to honour. The first is my own, a woman who believes wholeheartedly in everything I do and celebrates with me as opportunities arise and as things come together. I am so grateful to have her to share my journeys with and to experience her enthusiasm for the stories I get to tell her.

The second is a grandmother I met 5 years ago in Uganda. She is the caregiver for 19 children, a collection of beautiful little ones that are her biological grandchildren and those passed to her by others who knew they would be in good hands. This Jaja inspired me to take a risk in my work and pursue a career change that allows me to support grandmothers, caregivers, and people who are passionate about making a difference across Africa. I am forever grateful to her for showing me what it means to care, and for showing me that people like her would do it, no matter what it costs them.

I am inspired by the Grandmothers to Grandmothers campaign, bringing together people from different walks of life but shared experiences. Thank you for working so tirelessly to support Grandmothers in Africa and for taking the opportunity to learn from their wisdom and experience.

Shannon Thomson
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Attached is a photo of my great-grandmother, Mary Becker Axelrod (1872-1962), who immigrated to New York from a Russian-Jewish village in 1886, age 14.  Over the years she took care of many children — in her family and in families who needed her. Her motto was, “We’ll fight it through.”  I was 19 when she died, so have good memories of her — she has been an inspiration to me.
This is the same way the Grandmothers in Africa live their lives — I am also inspired by them, and by your Foundation’s work in supporting them.

Warm wishes on International Women’s Day,

Ellen S. Jaffe
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My gramma passed away in late January and I wrote what you see below as a testament to her.  She didn’t want a funeral, but I felt the need to let others know what a powerful influence she was in my life.  I know that you wanted only 200 words, but I couldn’t bring myself to cut out anything I wrote about her.  I understand if it’s not possible to include it, but felt compelled to submit this.

Best wishes,
Amber Holliday
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When I was a baby, you opened your home to me and my parents.  I can only imagine that having a wee baby in the house after so long being without one was quite the adjustment. The bathing. The feeding. The crying.  Although I have no memory of this I must have sensed that I was loved.

When I was eight I faked my way sick through several weeks of grade 3.  Every time I was put in a cab and sent off to your place where I would miraculously recover with the help of ginger ale and chocolate cake.  Apparently, I didn’t want you to leave for Texas and this was my way of trying to make you stay.  Chocolate cake and ginger ale – I knew I was loved and I can only imagine you knew you were loved.

When I was twelve I used to hop on my bike and travel alongside the train tracks by my house to your home on Penningham.  I was an awkward pre-teen and you had the innate ability to make me feel like I was even more than special and could accomplish anything I set out to do.  And you tolerated when I would call you with crazy fake accents trying to fool you into thinking I was someone else.  How could I not have known I was loved?

When I was sixteen my dad moved to Calgary.  You and Papa packed my sister and I up in your car on spring break to drive out there.  You sat in the back and told Papa to let me drive.  Your trust and faith in the untested driving skills of a sixteen year old meant I definitely knew I was loved.

When I was eighteen I broke up with my first boyfriend.  It was friendly enough but you immediately removed any trace of him from your family albums.  You were like a warrior princess who couldn’t take the thought of your granddaughter being hurt.  I understood just how fiercely you loved.

When I was twenty-two I moved to Toronto.  You told me not to go out at night.  You cried every time I visited and left Winnipeg.  You pressed twenty dollars into my hand for magazines on the plane and cab rides home from the airport.  I missed you every minute I was away.  I understood the power of love.

When I was twenty-nine you sent Matthew a birthday cheque.  You told him fiance’s only got half the amount until they were husband’s.  You also threatened, in writing, to ‘kick his ass’ if he broke my heart.  I laughed and knew how much you loved me.

When I was thirty-two I got married.  You conquered your fear of flying.  Got a passport. Baked and brought me chocolate chip cookies.  Made a speech at my wedding and danced like you were 25.  I completely understood how much I was loved.

When I was thirty-three I had a child of my own.  I was so proud to show him off to you.  You loved him and hugged him and called him Nick (and sometimes Matthew by accident).  I have no doubt he knows how much he is loved.

When I was thirty-four I got the news.  You were sick.  I flew out to see you.  One of the first things you asked me was if I was hungry and had eaten.  Food.  It was your way of letting us know how much we were loved.

When you were sick we all rushed out to see you.  You had all of your family with you.  They were there -  All day. Every day. As long as the hospital would let them.  I only hope you understood just how much you are loved.

The last thing you said to me was that you loved me more than I could possibly imagine.  I don’t know how that’s possible.  We spent our whole lives feeling your love.  And we’re better people for it.  I look at my little guy every day and I take comfort in the fact that through him I’m connected to you in a new way. Looking into his smiling face I understand just how much I can love.

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I had the pleasure of growing up 4 houses away from my Memere Diana Marsolais and 2 blocks from my Grand’Mere Florence Goguely for most of my childhood.

Memere Marsolais was always a pleasure to be with and several days were spent at her house with my siblings helping her maintain her home and yard. She became a widow early in life with the loss of pepere to a brain tumour and was a single mother of 9 children for over 50 years. Our friends would often tease us for working so hard at memeres house for free (other than a bowl of soup and ice cream floats). My response to that then and now is that her kindness, wisdom, respect and acceptance for whatever mistakes we made in life, was payment enough.
She taught me to appreciate and respect  women and realize that gender should never be a barrier in fulfilling our dreams.

Grand’Mere Goguely was a very intelligent quiet ,patient women that always had the correct time and date of events in the past despite grand’Pere Victor’s disagreement. She was a mother of 5 and also taught me mother that everyone deserved respect and recognition for their qualities, not their shortfalls.

I cherish the life lessons and the legacy these 2 lovely ladies instilled upon me, lives on through my children & grandchildren !

Marcel Marsolais

How do grandmothers inspire you? Share your stories with Stephen Lewis Foundation for International Women’s Day: write a story, email us a note, post on Facebook or tweet using the hashtag #granspiration, share a photo or create a video to tell us how they motivate you! E-mail campaign@stephenlewisfoundation.org.

The Stephen Lewis Foundation has been asking Canadians how grandmothers inspire them for International Women’s Day. We are pleased to share the following stories and reflections with you.

Today marks the 101st Anniversary of International Women’s Day; a day that we take pause to honour the resilience and dynamism of women all over the globe.  And as we embark upon the next century of gains for women in the political, economic and social realms, we wanted to take this opportunity to reflect about the women that inspire us: grandmothers.

We are all members of the Grandmothers Campaign Team at the Stephen Lewis Foundation. That’s given us the unique opportunity to engage with women leaders, both here and in Africa, and to witness their work in their local communities cultivating social justice, gender equality and hope.

To the grandmothers of Africa: your innovation, creativity and compassion continue to propel us forward in our work. You are not only the lynchpins of survival for your own communities and families, but you are inspiring pillars of strength for the women’s movement everywhere.

To the grandmothers of the Grandmothers Campaign: thank you for continuing to inspire us with your resolve to stand in solidarity, raise awareness about the pandemic, and raise funds to support  the grandmothers of Africa

To our own grandmothers and grandmothers everywhere, thank you…

Helen, Janet, Ryna, Tammy & Zahra
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My grandparents lived right next door to us.  My parents and grandparents shared farm land in the Niagara region.  We grew many, many tomatoes and had a variety of fruit trees.  My grandmother was such a hard working lady.  She and Grandpa had fled to Canada from the Ukraine in the 1926 as the Mennonites were being mistreated, killed and starved by the new regime there.  My father was only 2 years old when this happened.  They settled in the Saskatoon area and when my father was a teenager he was sent by Grandpa to Ontario to buy some land and work until all of the family (9 children) could afford to follow.  Through all this Grandma remained stalwart in her desire for a better life for her children.

Once settled on the farm in Ontario, I fondly remember Saturdays when all of Grandmas children and grandchildren would gather in their yard to share lunch together.  Wonderful Mennonite food would be carefully prepared by Grandma.   All of us grandchildren (and there were many!) would delight in always being welcomed in her home.  When my mother was having another baby (I have 6 siblings), we would be in grandma’s care for a while.  Grandma and Grandpa always made sure that we got to church and Sunday school too.  My Grandmother lived to be 91 years old.  She was born in 1900.  Her great-granddaughter now lives in the farmhouse  she lived in for over 60 years.  Words to describe my grandmother would be:  loving, caring, strong, determined, consoling, discerning, and faithful.

Erica Schubart
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I was never supposed to finish high school. I wasn’t supposed to be smart. I was supposed to turn out as expected…as a disappointment. I was supposed to be limited, not only by my birth into a complex and troubled family, but also to be limited by myself.
But because of one person, early on, who always pushed me, believed in me, stuck up for me, loved me and saw something in me that no one else did – I am here. I am sitting here, with a Master of Arts in Gerontology because of her. By “her” I mean my ‘Grama’…a woman who wasn’t a blood relative. Just a woman who cared for me and raised me.
I am thanking her for every moment she put into me, for every kind word, for every stern word, for every moment she made me shine, for every moment she made me feel safe and for every moment she reinforced that I was worth more than I thought and that I was capable of more than I ever imagined.

I am thanking her for every window she opened after so many doors closed on me.
I am thanking her for loving me like I was her very own.
Marjorie Geldard Glover, of Houwden Clough in Yorkshire, U.K., thank you for everything. I’ll be toasting you tonight, as we reflect on the most important women in our lives. I’ll raise a glass of pink champagne and thank every lucky star in the sky, that when I was falling, you were there to catch me.

I love you. I hope I have made you proud.

Linda Cummings
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My grandmother, like those in Africa who act as the lynchpins in their families, remained the one and only individual who held my family together. It was because of her that every holiday, my extended family would come together. Petty arguments and spats were silenced because she made us realize what was truly important in life. The bonds of family are what should be cherished and valued above all else and it was her, solely, who taught us that.

She has been gone a year now. Even though we no longer have her at the head of the dinner table on Christmas or in the front row of my cousin`s school concerts, we do have the lessons she taught us. My grandmother may not have done anything news-worthy or revolutionary, but she gave me the most valuable lesson of all. And that is the importance of love, family and compassion. Without her, I wouldn`t be the person I am today. For that unconditional love and those irreplaceable lessons, I thank her and all the grandmothers of the world.

Kelsey Goforth
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After 93 impressive years, my Nana passed away last October. It was a heart-wrenching loss. She was the quintessential matriarch — a strong, wise, resourceful, generous, brave, funny, supportive and proud Canadian immigrant — who left Ireland in 1957 with my grandfather and their eight children. With little in their pockets, they worked to give their kids a better life than Ireland could provide and embraced a new life in Vancouver, adding one more baby to the fold.
My grandparents took a courageous leap to provide their family with a better future — one that now includes 23 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild (the baby count rises daily). When she died, I spent a lot of time thinking about what made my Nana so very special. In the simplest terms, it was this: she was honest. She told the truth — the good, the bad and, yes, the ugly. But she did it with such love, candour and sincerity that we sought it out. And no matter how tough the truth was, she always sent me off feeling like I could conquer the world.

My Nana taught us to live each day with heart, gratitude, honesty and the powerful common sense of an Irishwoman. She was living proof that you can’t go wrong by telling the truth.
I thank my Nana and all the grandmothers of the world who have shared their truth. Let’s embrace their example.

Mo Douglas, Pemberton, BC, Canada
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Marie Fitzsimmons b. 1876

I am a grandmother in my early sixties, but my grandmother was born in 1876. After a tragic barn fire in which all of her family’s horses were lost, her parents and seven sisters were left quite impoverished. So in her late thirties, she trained as a nurse and graduated in 1915. Shortly after that she set out on her own, as a single woman, and travelled from Ontario to the wild west of Calgary. She was one of Calgary’s first VON nurses, and she was well known for her extensive work in the community. She married my grandfather, a man 10 years her junior, and gave birth to my mother when she was 45 years old. My memory of her is scattered, but her bravery in recreating her life to care for others at a time when women had few options inspires me. I honour her on International Women’s Day.

African grandmothers are recreating themselves as leaders in the fight against the AIDS pandemic. Their tenacity and courage in caring for their grandchildren and their communities in the face of the tragic loss of their own children is awe-inspiring.

Colleen Stefanich, Hummingbird Grannies, Vancouver
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Twitter mentions

@SkyHSmith: @stephenlewisfdn Louise Cohen, OOC founded Université de Moncton, and the NAC. She was my Bubbe, my inspiration #granspiration

@gracelynnkung: #Granspiration She laughed with-not humoured-me as a child. Adventurous in times without luxury of leisure, she’s my hero @stephenlewisfdn

@ellechronique: My grandmother is strong & independent with whom I would play long games of rummy-q late into the night #granspiration @stephenlewisfdn

@joe_cressy: My grandmother was a powerhouse of wit, love and intellect. This #IWD, share how grandmothers inspire you. #granspiration @stephenlewisfdn

How do grandmothers inspire you? Share your stories with Stephen Lewis Foundation for International Women’s Day: write a story, email us a note, post on Facebook or tweet using the hashtag #granspiration, share a photo or create a video to tell us how they motivate you! E-mail campaign@stephenlewisfoundation.org.

The Stephen Lewis Foundation has been asking Canadians how grandmothers inspire them for International Women’s Day. We are pleased to share the following stories and reflections with you.

I was fortunate enough to have two amazing grandmothers, both of whom were named Margaret, and for whom I was given my middle name.

My Granny (my maternal grandmother) had many talents, but the things I remember the most about her was her quirky sense of humour and her patience.  She would spend hours with me teaching me how to sew and bake.  I can also credit her with brining tap dancing into my life, as she was the one who bought me my first pair of tap shoes.  My Granny loved to dance and did highland dancing well into her sixties. When I was eight she found a pair of second-hand tap shoes at a garage sale that happened to be in my size.  My parents had no choice but to enrol me in tap classes.  Tap became such an important part of my life and something I still enjoy doing.

My paternal grandmother, Amma as I called her, was also an incredible woman who showed unconditional love to her family. After fleeing Nazi Germany in the late 30’s, my grandparents gave up everything and started a new life in England. They lived a happy life but due to a number of circumstances my grandmother took on the role of primary caregiver for her young grandson.  I often think of my Amma’s generosity and strength.

Given the close kinship I had with my grandmothers, it therefore felt natural to me that I began working with the amazing women in Canada who make up the Grandmothers Campaign.  Working alongside these elder stateswomen, I feel constantly inspired by their creativity, perseverance and the sense of solidarity they have with the indomitable grandmothers in Africa.

Helen Margaret
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There are so many ways I can describe my Bubby Elsa but I remember her in her happiest and healthiest days as a strong, independent and caring woman. My Zaidy passed away when I was three years old, but  my Bubby still filled the house with delicious home-cooked meals that included lots of honey cake, epic games of Rummy-Q that we would play past my bedtime, her computer that I taught her how to chat on-line with and so many lovely trinkets and treasures. My Bubby arrived in Canada during the second World War and like many, arrived with very little. Even after living in Montreal for most of her life, she still can’t speak French and pronounces ‘Jean Talon’ like ‘Gene Tah-len.’ Bubby Elsa has a sharp, feisty and often stubborn personality but she is still a social butterfly. She had a stroke a few years ago and much has changed since then – she moved from her house to an assisted living facility and her mobility was greatly affected. But from time to time, I still see that feistiness and spirit in her that she manages to hold on to. It’s hanging on and having close family around that helps her stay strong which is how I’ll always remember her.

Lauryn K.
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My grandmother, Franny. She inspires me still, today. A descendant of Thomas D’arcy McGee, she was raised during the Great Recession and served overseas with the Red Cross during the Second World War.

A powerhouse of wit, love, and intellect, nobody could resist her. Her jokes and bonfire songs at Fort William, her gift of gab, and those all consuming hugs…she was infectious.

Had she grown-up in a different era, I have no doubt that she would have been a leader in the public or private sector, and I suspect she might have been a bit of a rabble rouser as well.

How has she inspired me? She has taught me that family comes first, that we should love always, and that we should never put our elbows on the dining room table.

Joe C.
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My grandmother was a going concern. She wasn’t very parental, and she didn’t really care that much about any of her grandchildren except me. I think she sensed a kindred spirit. She lived her own life, partying her way through Prohibition, kicking against the restrictions imposed by the government and by society. She never knit a sweater, baked a cookie, or sang a lullaby. But she made me laugh until I peed my pants, and she taught me how to swear like longshoreman and speak up when I saw something I didn’t think was right. Not your typical grandmother, but then neither am I and my grandkids seem to like me just the way I am – flawed but funny. Miss you Nana – wish you could’ve continued the party with us.

Deb M.
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Twitter mentions
@triciadparker: @stephenlewisfdn Osteoperosis is taking its toll on my Nana’s body yet she’s still a relentless community volunteer-so selfless #granspiration

@re_markable1: @stephenlewisfdn Oma left hew home alone, onto a boat, carved a new life. 80 yrs later, her life has led to 47 others. #IWD #granspiration

@HeidyMo: @stephenlewisfdn My ‘mamá’ is my rock! She is selfless, full of love & great advice! <3 ow.ly/i/uIkt #granspiration #IWD

@RobinAlights: @stephenlewisfdn my grandma ran two tourist camps in northern Ont and raised two kids back in the 40s, defying gender norms! #granspiration

How do grandmothers inspire you? Share your stories with Stephen Lewis Foundation for International Women’s Day: write a story, email us a note, post on Facebook or tweet using the hashtag #granspiration, share a photo or create a video to tell us how they motivate you! E-mail campaign@stephenlewisfoundation.org.

The Stephen Lewis Foundation has been asking Canadians how grandmothers inspire them for International Women’s Day. We are pleased to share the following stories and reflections with you.

I have been inspired by each and every member of the Victoria Grandmothers for Africa, but one grandmother stands out above all. She was one of the founding members of our group and since then she has given 110% for all our activities. At present she is quartermaster for the Sales and Crafts Committee; she hosts every meeting of the committee; she looks after reordering cards–National Walk cards and those with the textile art photos; she handles sales at our meetings and summer markets; I could go on and on, but I know everyone understands how valuable such a person is. She is my favourite octogenarian–Elizabeth Rutherford.

Mary Myrtle Schmidt
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My grandmother – her name was Emelia – raised fourteen children in rural Saskatchewan; seven boys and seven girls. All of her children went on to become community and family leaders who are role models to this day. She spent time travelling across Canada and the US to visit her children and grandchildren, paying special attention to the new mothers that were her daughters or daughters-in-law. One of my most vivid memories of her is of her standing over a boiling vat of oil, teaching us how to cook donuts. She also taught us how to make kleenex box covers that looked like dogs. I also have a foggy memory of her chasing a headless chicken around her garden, but I think I’ve blocked out the details. I DO remember that her chicken dinners were to die for.

Nancy P
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Affiliation

Chorus:
You simply put one foot before the other
Not knowing where or how the journey ends.
Grandmother, you should know that you’re my hero
And I’d be more than proud to be your friend.

1. I’ve heard about the burden you are bearing
Taunts that come to those that you hold dear,
I’ve watched you struggle onward for your family
And know you face a future full of fear.
But I have also seen your resolution;
You daily deal with pain that should not be.
You’ve born your grieving with tremendous courage
And shown the world a stalwart dignity.

2. You’ve heard your grandkids cry out for their parents
Dying young and hard from HIV,
You are the only “home” that they can cling to,
You have become their only family.
You labor in the fields or in the quarry,
You bury adult children in the yard,
You’ve never known such hardship or such sorrow:
A grandma’s love the constant in your heart.

3. I really don’t know how I’d bear such heartbreak -
Don’t know how I’d face reality!
I often wonder, “What if we changed places,
If I were you and you were somehow me?”
I know I’d need some friends to walk beside me
I know I’d always want a helping hand
From those who care for me, my life, my family,
Companions who I know would understand.

Chorus:
You simply put one foot before the other
Not knowing where or how the journey ends.
Grandmother, you should know that you’re my hero
And I’d be more than proud to be your friend.

Carol, EASTSIDE GRANNIES, Sherwood Park, AB
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Alice and Irene

The women who became Grandmothers to my children were an inspiring influence. These women of strength, and substance, solved the economic troubles of their families, created warm welcoming homes, and cared for others in times of illness well into their senior years.  Although my Mother, and Mother-in –Law were different, they shared a profound depth of loyalty to their families, and a tough, gritty determination to take hold when times became difficult economically. At times they were the backbone of survival for their families, helping to provide the financial resources that enabled their Grandchildren to gain an education.

Each of these women spent many years of their married lives rearing children, maintaining homes, volunteering, and managing frequently required family moves.  They were both middle aged when challenging family circumstances required them to find employment.  As older women entering the work force, while still raising families, they were often weary beyond measure, worried about financial security, and uncertain of their ability to cope with the demands of their jobs, yet they persevered. Were they still with us, I know they would proudly applaud the work of the Grandmothers in Africa, sharing a bond of commitment to their grandchildren.

Elizabeth  Stobie Law

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Twitter mentions
@g_mitchcan: @stephenlewisfdn #granspiration #IWD Their never-ending love and support for children in need. Always a kind hand, kiss, wise words.

@AndreaLConroy: @stephenlewsfdn: you should have seen the grandmother parade down main st. in Jinja, Uganda. Vibrant, energetic, amazing. #granspiration

How do grandmothers inspire you? Share your stories with Stephen Lewis Foundation for International Women’s Day: write a story, email us a note, post on Facebook or tweet using the hashtag #granspiration, share a photo or create a video to tell us how they motivate you! E-mail campaign@stephenlewisfoundation.org.

The Stephen Lewis Foundation has been asking Canadians how grandmothers inspire them for International Women’s Day. We are pleased to share the following stories and reflections with you

When someone says the word grandma, I immediately think of my Dad’s mom. She was the strongest person I have ever known and ever will know. She had six children and she was poor growing up on a farm in northern Saskatchewan. She worked hard for every dollar her and her husband made. She loved to volunteer for numerous organizations, including Meals on Wheels and the Prince Albert Legion. She was my inspiration to start volunteering for whatever I could. My Grandma was always cooking or baking for others. She gave herself in all that she did, always putting others before herself. She was my role model and encouraged me in whatever I wanted to accomplish.
Last year, her life was taken by a hard battle with cancer. She fought the hardest she could have, but she just wasn’t strong enough to ward off the disease. My Grandma still lives in the hearts of my family and I and she will always be known as the strongest woman I’ve ever known. Like the African Grandmothers, my Grandma stood up for what she believed. They will do anything for their families, just like she did. Grandmothers in Africa are an inspiration to all. We could all learn something from them.

Sarah Logan
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My grandmother came to Canada in the early 1900’s as a new bride. My grandfather had secured a job in the Alberta coal mines and had worked several years to earn enough money to return to Italy to bring my grandmother, Mary Zinonni, back to Canada with him. Although my grandfather had learned enough English to function in his work environment, and their four children spoke English fluently, my grandma never did.

During most of my childhood, my Italian grandmother lived only half a mile away from our farm, so I often walked to her house. We communicated our love for each other when we met or parted with hugs and endearments in our separate languages. We would go out into her amazing garden and I would ‘help’ her hoe, weed, water and harvest. She, on the other hand, protected me from her vicious, free-ranging turkeys and geese that somehow sensed my fear and took advantage of me whenever she wasn’t around. She taught me how to make dandelion chain-necklaces and dandelion-leaf salads. I felt secure enough in her company to sing the little songs and poems I’d composed and was always rewarded with a warm smile and an encouraging arm around my shoulder. Special times with grandma often culminated in an intimate luncheon—just her and me—sharing her home-made bread, newly churned butter, and some of grandpa’s home-made wine. I remember those meals as love-banquets—a special kind of non-verbal communion between my grandmother and me—in a closeness where words were superfluous. There was a profound acceptance of each other’s being and a contented enjoyment of each other’s company.

It came as a serendipity—just here and now as I am writing about her—that although I have questioned perceptions about, around, and beyond myself and my world for 70 years, I—at no time—ever doubted that my grandma loved me dearly. And I, her.

CM, Sherwood Park, AB
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In the early 90′s following my social work practicum with AIDS organisations in San Francisco at the General Hospital I returned to Canada and was given the opportunity to visit Uganda to work with health care agencies and offer workshops in many remote rural villages.

Working out of Kampala I spent all my time visiting rural communities and speaking with a multitude of various groups and what struck me most was the fantastic courage and determination of African grandmothers.  Wherever I went their presence was obvious.  Despite their tired bodies these Grandmothers managed to smile and invariably sing as they cared for numerous grandchildren orphaned by AIDS and I was so impressed with their obvious love and care for them.   This “parenting” role had been thrust upon them but they cheerfully took up the challenge.  Many of the babies and young children were infected but those dedicated Grandmothers struggled to maintain their humble dwellings and create a fit place for raising them.  I recall feeling so guilty returning to my hotel at night which cost 100 dollars, knowing that I had been told that for a mere 10 dollars the roof of their hut could be waterproofed and the mud floor could be cemented.   The grandmothers worked tirelessly to nurse these children while hauling water, growing what they could in their small garden and taking turns to teach at the local school. They were truly amazing and I was so excited when Stephen Lewis took up the cause and the SLF was born which offered hope to so many of those women.  They deserve our greatest admiration and all the support we can give them through the work of our various Grandmother groups across this country.

Go Grannies Go!

Barb Clay
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Often I think of my maternal grandmother, who died when my own mother was only 18 years old.  Seven times she gave birth; only three daughters reached adulthood.  One daughter died at 14 of diabetes before insulin was discovered; two others of childhood diseases. Her first child and only son was stillborn.

Such losses are not uncommon in the developing world, but for us  in Canada in the 21st century they are nearly unthinkable.  On the other hand, the grandmothers in Africa know about such loss and with courage I imagine my own maternal grandmother shared they continue to love, to care and to build the future.  True heroes indeed!

Frances Bauer
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My Grandmother, Elizabeth Allen McDonald

My maternal grandmother was a special woman of strength, who gave birth to nine children, eighteen grandchildren and several great grandchildren.  She was the unmistakable matriarch of the family.  My grandfather was a sailor who sailed the seven seas from their home in England.  After three children,  my grandmother decided this was no life for her family so she scrimped and saved the passage for her husband and babies, (steerage) from England to Canada.   They were marooned in the Gulf of St. Lawrence for 10 days.

Once they landed in Canada, she taught her husband how to read on a farm outside Montreal.  She bore her other children, seven daughters and two sons, encouraging each one to reach his/her full potential.  She came to Canada to make a better life her family.  Her dreams came true.

At the age of 94, when she died we gathered for her funeral, something interesting happened.  We shared our stories of Granny, and each of us was convinced we were her favourite!  She had that special way of listening, sharing and loving that made us feel unique.  We hear her voice of encouragement to this day.

Linda Wills
Grandmother Regional Liaison, Atlantic, Member of Grans to Grans
Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign,  Nelson, British Columbia

Beverley Wills
Member of the Bay Grandmothers
Tantallon, Nova Scotia
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My grandmother was known as “Gram” by all who knew her. She was a very generous person; and gave her time and talents freely to others; she always helped when she had the opportunity to do so. She was artistic; she sewed, knitted, cooked, painted and made crafts and was the first recycler before it was” in vogue”. She lived as a widow for almost as long as she was married.

She lived in the city and my family lived in a rural community outside of the city. My parents were a very mismatched couple and our home life and childhood was not the happiest or securest environment. So whenever we visited Gram, (my maternal grandmother) it was like an escape or vacation as she always made me feel welcome, loved and safe.

My grandmother showed me how a home should feel and how family should act and love. Unfortunately, my children didn’t get to know her but through my stories and memories of her she lives on. Grandmothers are a very valuable part of a family and should never be taken for granted or forgotten. I look forward to being grandmother someday. I miss you Gram! Love Barb

Barb Brown-Conrod
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My Ma Tante ,  my aunt, Juliette Beauchamp ( a kind of surrogate Mother to me) was the inspiration to always be kind to others and to make something of nothing. She was an amazing craftsman. She taught me to be compassionate at a very early age.

My Mother who was a Gran-granny, as her great grandchildren, dubbed her  was the most courageous woman I have ever know. She made a life for herself as a single parent  at 24. Being a divorced single parent in the 1940s was not an easy burden to carry. She had her own display business for a number of years. She was a waitress at Miss Montreal’s ( a forerunner to A & W) she was a cleaning lady for awhile and then became the first woman in Canada to drive a taxi for a living so she could support my sister and me. She spoke several languages well . She was also a wonderful artist. She also supported us by painting portraits.

She also in her early fifties gave up the luxury of a serene life to take on the upbringing of my niece (8 years) and nephew (6 years).

She was a ‘doer.’

At her funeral so many folks came up to me to tell me how she had helped them in one way or another. She always believed that one should leave a place in better shape than when one found it.

She died in 2004 so she never knew about the Grandmothers campaign. I know she would have cheered us on and been one of our greatest supporters.

H. Carol Schmidt, Past Chair
Omas Siskona( Grandmothers Together) of Kitchener-Waterloo

How do grandmothers inspire you? Share your stories with Stephen Lewis Foundation for International Women’s Day: write a story, email us a note, post on Facebook or tweet using the hashtag #granspiration, share a photo or create a video to tell us how they motivate you! E-mail campaign@stephenlewisfoundation.org.

For this International Women’s Day (March 8th), join us in making a public declaration – honour the grandmothers in your life and tell us how they motivate you!  Write a story, email us a note, post a tweet, share a photo or create a video to tell us how you have been inspired by the African grandmothers, the Canadian Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign, your grandmother, or a grandmother in your community.

Grandmothers in Africa and Canada have inspired us and continue to motivate us. The AIDS pandemic has left millions of children orphaned by AIDS. With compassion and fortitude, Africa’s grandmothers have stepped in to care for them. They have become the lynchpins of survival for their families and communities; they are advocates pushing for rights and protection; they run small businesses to support their families; and they are the invaluable home-based care workers who bring care and solace to people struggling with HIV and AIDS in their communities.

The Canadian Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign began in March 2006, in direct response to the emerging crisis faced by African grandmothers struggling to hold their families and communities together. What began with a handful of groups of committed Canadian grandmothers has grown into a dynamic social movement of thousands of women across the country – made up of Grandmothers and ‘Grand-others’, they are the embodiment of solidarity – raising awareness about and funds to support African grandmothers to turn the tide of AIDS in Africa.

For this years’ International Women’s Day send us your acclamations and reflections and together we will honour the many elder statewomen – African, Canadian or otherwise – who are so powerfully transforming lives, families and communities!  In the lead-up to March 8th we will feature your submissions on the Foundation’s Blog. You can also share your reflections with us directly via Facebook or Twitter (use the hashtag #granspiration).

We’re going to spread the message far and wide – through our Blog, Facebook, Twitter, and creating Art that will be shared with Canadian and African grandmothers!

How do grandmothers inspire you? Tell us and tell THEM!

Email or regular mail:
Email your 200 word story to campaign@stephenlewisfoundation.org or mail it to the address below. Content will be posted on the Foundation’s blog in the weeks prior to International Women’s Day and will be featured on March 8th. You are also welcome to submit photos and captions, as well as links to any videos you have filmed.

Stephen Lewis Foundation
260 Spadina Avenue, Suite 501
Toronto, ON M5T 2E4

Twitter:
Send a tweet to @stephenlewisfdn or tweet a photo of your grandmother,a link to a blog entry you have written or a video you have filmed. @stephenlewisfdn will retweet your messages in the weeks leading up to International Women’s Day and on March 8th.  Remember to use the hashtag #granspiration.

Facebook:
Post your photos, videos and stories about how grandmothers inspire you on the wall of the Stephen Lewis Foundation’s Facebook page.

Youtube:
Share your story through a 90 second video! Send us a link to your video and we will share it via our blog, Twitter and Facebook accounts. Or send the actual video file to campaign@stephenlewisfoundation.org, and we will post it on our YouTube Channel.