Christmas Extravaganza, November 26 and 27
The 2010 3rd annual Christmas Extravaganza was a great success again this year because of all the ideas, energy, and time that went into making it so. The final tally for the Extravaganza was just over $14,000.
Organizer Ann Tarfiff declares, “I would like to thank all those who created wonderful crafts, baked delicious goodies, and worked before, after and during the event to make it the success it was. It always amazes me to see so many wonderful items of crafts and baking come in and how the crowds seem to follow.”
The group Harmony in the Key of the West Coast provided music that filled the air and gave a warm ambiance to the extravaganza. In the kitchen, grandmothers served tea, coffee, and homemade baked goodies.
As the reporter from the Oceanside Star, Mr. Bird said, “You grandmothers sure have the trust and support of the community.” Ann responded, “I believe we all work to achieve that reputation and I know we’ll continue to do so.”
Pub Night, October 5
More than 100 guests enjoyed dinner accompanied by renowned jazz pianist, Ron Hadley. Following a burger dinner, they sang along, danced and had fun with popular vocal duo Debbie Ryan and Jack Brygidr. A silent auction, cash raffle, craft and cookbook sales and donations added to ticket sales ($25 each).
A committee of six members, with the help and support of several other G2G volunteers, organized the social evening at the Thalassa Restaurant in Qualicum Beach. It raised $2700 for the Stephen Lewis Foundation’s Grandmothers’ Campaign.
Cycle Tour, September 10-12
Challenging the stereotype of grannies in rocking chairs, more than 20 grandmothers and grand-others cycled the 280 km from Campbell River to Victoria over the three days September 10-12. Organized by the Victoria Grandmothers to Grandmothers group, this fourth annual cycling event raised $53,860.93 for the Stephen Lewis Foundation.
At intervals along the way, the cycling team was cheered on and given refreshments by members of grandmothers groups along the route. Our own group contributed both participants and support. We’re proud of you, Marg and Martin!
Textile Art Exhibit, September 2-4
Sponsored by the Comox Glacier Grandmothers, the Textile Art Exhibit raised awareness of African issues and showcased the textile talents of the North Island Quilters for Community Awareness. The display of 30-40 quilt art projects was held at the Parksville Art Gallery September 2-4. The quilts will be auctioned at a gala event in Victoria in March 2011, with all proceeds going to the Stephen Lewis Foundation. The exhibit also raised $1,000 in donations.
Canada Day Parade, July 1
Despite the weather, Oceanside Grandmothers made a strong showing in the Canada Day Parade in Parksville. The weather was damp but not our spirits. We received lots of cheers along the way.
Trunk Sale, June 19, 2010
It was a beautiful Saturday morning, June 19, when 20 Oceanside grannies opened the trunks of their cars in the parking lot at Wembley Mall and sold household items, baking, plants, collectibles, cards, framed photos and BOOKS! We all had a great deal of fun getting ready for the sale and had wonderful results: over $2,600.00 raised.
“Stride to Turn the Tide.” National Walk, June 12, 2010
On Saturday, June 12, and Sunday, June 13, grandmothers and grand-others from across Canada walked in solidarity to show their support of African grandmothers who are raising orphaned grandchildren in the face of the AIDS pandemic.
Our Oceanside group had 33 walkers (including the mayor of Qualicum) and raised $631 for the work of the Stephen Lewis Foundation. The sun beamed down on our 5 kilometre walk through Rathtrevor Park. Many in the group stayed on to enjoy a picnic.
Spring Splash Concert and Fashion Show, May 29, 2010
Held at the Parksville Community and Conference Centre, this afternoon event featured live music, a silent auction, and a fashion show with outfits modeled by members of our group. Sold out at 190 tickets, it raised $6,700 to improve the lives of grandmothers and their grandchildren in sub-Saharan Africa.
The entire Community supported our event. City of Gardens Chorus was a huge hit at the recent Oceanside Grandmonthers’ Spring Splash event. The 2nd part of the program was a well-received Fashion Show with fashions from Arbutus Emporium, 2nd Avenue Clearance and Merlyn’s Vintage Fashions. The food and all items for the Silent Auction were donated by local merchants and individuals.
Valentine’s Tea, February 5, 2010
Our first event of 2010 was a huge success judging from the size and energy of the crowd that filled the Hall at the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre Friday, February 5 between 1:30-4:00pm.
The entertainment provided by the Every Voice Singers set the mood as they brought the atmosphere and rhythm of Africa to QB. The reaction of the crowd (mostly female) by the arrival of the Oceanside Quartet was quite overwhelming! Their a cappella Barbershop harmony style of singing and their choice of songs brought back memories. The vignettes from the Stephen Lewis Foundation film ”A Generation of Orphans” left us with a hopeful message that the work of the Foundation is truly making a difference in the lives of many.
Crafts, homemade refreshments, busy grandmothers organizing and serving – the cooperation and dedication was evident as everyone pitched in to do what needed to be done. The Event was a genuine TEAM effort. Each of us did our bit to make the world a better place by raising $5,453.37 for the Stephen Lewis Foundation.
Oceanside Grandmothers to Grandmothers 