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After nearly a decade of work, Winnipeg’s Grands ‘n’ More is continuing to raise money to support fellow grandparents and caregivers half a world away dealing with the impacts of a deadly, stigmatized disease.
The organization’s annual Art from the Attic initiative is collecting pieces from all over the city in advance of a fundraising sale in the fall as a part of the Stephen Lewis Foundation’s ongoing Grandmothers to Grandmothers campaign. Winnipeg’s Grands ‘n’ More is just one of 150 groups across the country supporting grandparents in Africa who have been forced back into a parental role for their grandchildren after their parents have passed away from AIDS.
Jean Altemeyer has been involved with the local Grand ‘n’ More chapter for many years, and her passion for the work is, if anything, even greater than when she started. “We continue to be stunned and thrilled at Winnipeg’s generosity, at the variety, at the quality, and people’s stories,” she says, noting that it’s this generosity that encourages her and the other members of the organization.
The love that Grands ‘n’ More has developed for the community in its existence is very much mutual, with Altemeyer noting that Winnipeggers always love well-priced goods like art. The organization balances good prices with the commitment to not underselling pieces of original art. This commitment will be on full display at a new event this year: an auction sale of some twenty to thirty higher-end pieces that will take place at the end of September.
The ultimate driving force for Altemeyer has been her experience getting to know the grandparents from Africa who she has been supporting through her work. “The challenges they face and the resiliency and strength and commitment they have... how could you not keep doing it?” she says.
Altemeyer also notes that support for this organization is more crucial than ever before. With recent cuts made to AIDS research and to international aid by the American government, Grands ‘n’ More is doing everything in its power to help close the funding gap.
“Last year, we sent $46,000, which is a pile of money, but nowhere near what’s needed,” says Altemeyer. “So, you just keep have to keep doing it.”
Winnipeggers can support Grands ‘n’ More in their work by participating in the Art from the Attic auction on September 26 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the St. Vital Mall. The annual sale takes place on October 5 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with art donations being accepted until September 6. More information on the auction and sale and contact information for prospective volunteers can be found at Grands ‘n’ More’s website.
