About the Campaign

Stephen Lewis Foundation, the Grandmothers Campaign & GANG

A fact sheet about our partners, the campaign, and our history — updated April 2021.

Organization

Stephen Lewis
Foundation

Est. 2003

stephenlewisfoundation.org →

The Stephen Lewis Foundation

15 African countries supported
1,700+ Initiatives funded
324+ Community-based partner organizations
  • The Foundation was established in 2003 with one main goal: to turn the tide of HIV and AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa.
  • The SLF operates in 15 African countries: Botswana, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
  • The SLF has funded over 1,700 initiatives, partnering with over 324 community-based organizations hardest hit by the AIDS pandemic.

Facts about HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa

  • 14 million children have been orphaned by AIDS.
  • 38 million people are currently living with HIV worldwide.
  • Sub-Saharan Africa is home to roughly 70% of all people living with HIV but only has 15% of the global population.
  • Adolescent girls and young women are 5 times more likely to become infected than young men.
  • AIDS-related deaths have been reduced by 60% since 2004.
  • Globally, approximately 67% of people living with HIV have consistent access to antiretroviral therapy (ART). When taken consistently, people living with HIV can lead normal, healthy lives and do not transmit the virus to others.

Campaign

Grandmothers to
Grandmothers
Campaign

Est. 2006

grandmotherscampaign.org →

The Grandmothers Campaign

"We will not rest until they can rest."

  • Established in 2006 to raise awareness, build solidarity, and mobilize funds for community-based organizations that support African grandmothers and the children in their care.
  • Groups now established in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
  • Canadian grandmothers and grand-others stand in solidarity with African grandmothers.
  • African grandmothers are strong, creative, and compassionate — they know the issues, get things done, and are committed to hope for their grandchildren.

What Community-Based Organizations Provide

  • Food, educational supplies, uniforms and school fees
  • Medical care and home-based health care to sick and vulnerable
  • HIV counselling and testing
  • Adequate housing and bedding
  • Counselling and support groups

Local Group

Grandmothers of
Alberta for a
New Generation

Est. August 2006
Edmonton, AB

The GANG — Our History

Beginning

August 2006
Edmontonians Roz Shepherd, Marion Rosborough and Vicki Strang attended the pivotal SLF Toronto Grandmother Gathering, hearing stories from 100 African grandmothers. Upon returning, they began meeting monthly and inviting others to join.
January 2007
Liane Faulder's article in the Edmonton Journal introduced the GANG to the broader community, resulting in overwhelming attendance at an information session. The group received grants from the Riverview Rotary Club and the New Horizons Fund.
2007–2008
Bylaws and organizational structures developed. GANG was incorporated under the Alberta Societies Act as a non-profit society. An Education Committee developed a Speakers Bureau, and a Fundraising Committee held craft sales, bake sales, fashion shows, and the Good Words for Africa Scrabble event.
2009
GANG members became guest readers during 'Read In' Week in Edmonton schools — a tradition that continues as an integral part of GANG's outreach and fundraising.
2008, 2010, 2012, 2015
Four GANG members visited SLF-supported projects and participated in gatherings of African grandmothers across various African countries.

Today

  • The group has moved to a project-based structure with awareness raising integral to each fundraising event.
  • Monthly board and general meetings for all GANG members.
  • Signature events including the Fabulous Fabric Frenzy sale and Shakers and Makers Craft Market.
  • A flourishing partnership with the local Old Strathcona Antique Mall.
  • Successful partnerships with local junior and high schools.
  • The GANG successfully navigated virtual meetings, book clubs, and celebrations during COVID.
$1.1M+
Raised by the GANG in our first 15 years (2006–2021) in partnership with African grandmothers and the Stephen Lewis Foundation.