Up-Island News Releases – Oceanside Grannies

The Victoria Cyclists are taking part in the ninth annual three-day marathon cycling fundraiser to support African grandmothers who are dedicated to conquering the devastating effects of AIDS in Africa.

The cycling fundraiser is truly an Islands-wide grandmother event. Sponsored by the Victoria Grandmothers for Africa, all eight Island grandmother groups along the 275 km route help and support the tour by providing meals, snacks and enthusiastic cheers and congratulations as the riders make their way south. Their support, in turn, energizes the cyclists to keep on pedaling and ultimately achieve their goals.

We are scheduled to leave for the day from Riverside Resort at Qualicum Beach at 8:00 am, will cycle through Parksville somewhat before 9:00 am to shortly after via the Old Island Highway and arrive at Nanoose Place via North West Road at about 9:30. We would love it if Oceanside Grannies and the whole town for that matter came out to cheer us on. [….] By the way, the stops on our itinerary are also on our website: http://www.victoriagrandmothersforafrica.ca

The Oceanside Grannies support the cyclists every year. This year they are welcoming, encouraging and serving them refreshments as they pass through Nanoose Bay on their way to Chemainus where their second day ends.

All participants are 55 or older and usually average about 65 years of age. Composed mainly of grandmothers in their retirement years, in eight years the cyclists have raised a total of $436,000. They are hoping in this ninth year, to take the donations to a cool half million.
All of the grandmother groups including the riders in this event raise money for the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign of the Stephen Lewis Foundation. Participants solicit donations from the greater community as well as their friends and relations. To support this worthy cause, go to http://www.victoriagrandmothersforafrica.ca