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Grannies take it in StrideBy Dennis Smithawareness with speaking engagements andSPECIAL TO THE BEAVERfunds for African grandmothers through gardentours.The plight of African grandmothers has Oomama in Oakville supports the fundrais-prompted Canadian grannies to vow that Weing effort for the African grandmothers. Thewill not rest until they can rest.group also has members as far away as Niagara- Walks are planned in Halton and acrosson-the-Lake.Canada to help grandmothers of sub-Saharan Bronte Grandmothers for Africa is a smallAfrica, raising their grandchildren orphaned bygroup from the west Oakville community whichAIDS. does advocacy and fundraising.Five Halton grandmothers groups will unite North Halton Grandmother toin Burlington for the upcoming Stride to TurnGrandmother does fundraising and has mem-the Tide fundraiser on Saturday, June 11.bers from Georgetown, Acton, Milton and outly-Were joining hands across the miles. Weing areas. have to be together and we cant let them down,The groups support the Grandmothers tosaid walk co-ordinator Linda Rafuse. Grandmothers campaign initiative of theThe second annual Halton walk will start atStephen Lewis Foundation (SLF), which funds9:30 a.m. at Heritage Place Retirement Residence,AIDS projects in Africa, providing services and4151 Kilmer Dr., Burlington.support for grandmothers there and children The event covers five kilometres, althoughunder their care. participants can walk any distance.This year, Canadian grannies will wear colour-At the first Halton walk held in Oakville lastful scarves to symbolize solidarity with theiryear, 150 participants raised $67,100. The eventpeers in Africa. The scarves are also a source of was held at St. Mildreds-Lightbourn School.income for the South African womens groups It was good to join forces, said Rafuse.who make them.Theres strength in numbers.Stride to Turn the Tide developed after 300 Shes with Burlington Ubuntu GrandwomenAfrican and Canadian grandmothers gathered in(BUG), which raises awareness of the AfricanToronto in 2006.grandmothers situation, promotes solidarity andAnyone can join the walk and the $25 regis-does fundraising.tration fee includes a scarf. Walkers are also Other granny groups in this years walkencouraged to collect pledges. include the following:For information, call Carole at 905-331-6598, Blooms for Africa consists of women inLinda at 905-632-3467 or visit www.grandmoth-Hamilton, Burlington and Dundas who raiseerscampaign.org.UOY KNAHTTo all who donated, sponsored, and participated in the 2011 Oakville Walk!With your help, the Oakville Walk raised close to $30,000 this year.100% of the funds raised will go towards providing Dog Guides at no cost to Canadians with disabilities.Moving Forward. Changing Lives.LOCAL SPONSORSLions Club of OakvilleNATIONAL SPONSORS4,-00-4 78-60-2+ 463.)'87fiTo make a donation to the Purina Walk for Dog Guides visit www.purinawalkfordogguides.com or call 1 (800) 768-3030www.insideHALTON.com OAKVILLE BEAVER Thursday, June 9, 2011 16