EVENTS and ACTIVITIES
We are thinking globally and acting locally. Many of our activities involve fundraising - all for the purpose of supporting the Grandmothers Campaign of the Stephen Lewis Foundation. We also reach out into the community by speaking in schools, churches and retirement residences. Since 2006 Grassroot Grannies have raised $1,234,614 for the Stephen Lewis Foundation.
We are always very grateful to our community supporters.
Canadian grannies
supporting
African grannies
The Grassroot Grannies
15th Ride to Turn the Tide
September 4th-5th 2024
Fundraising Events for 2024
Grassroot Grannies
Plant Sale and Market Place
Sweet 16! The Grassroot Grannies were excited to hold the most successful Plant Sale and Market Place ever on Mother's Day weekend, Saturday May 11th. We raised $8,444 for the Stephen Lewis Foundation. In spite of a wet weather forecast, the rain held off until after the event was finished.
Many of the Grassroot Grannies who volunteered time and energy to make the plant sale a success
Behind the Scenes of a Successful Plant Sale
The plant committee started planning and organizing months in advance. The vegetable and herb growers started growing their seeds in March. As well, many gardeners dug up and potted masses of plants for our sale. They were then transported, labelled, priced and set up the day before the sale.
Artistic crafters painted rocks and gnomes, made whimsical tea cup ornaments and produced clay pots, stepping stones and lovely pottery plates.
Others in the group helped haul and set up tents, tables, plants as well as clean up after the sale.
Val Woodward, Marg Terrett, Barb Rother and Stella Val set up the Market Place.
Some members do an amazing job of soliciting donations for the raffle including gift certificates, cards and various items.
As well there were youth volunteers, Granny Alumnae, family members and friends who carried out many other tasks. Some baked goodies to keep us going, others helped at the cash, and some provided plant expertise to the shoppers.
This is not an exhaustive list of all the tasks involved but this emphasizes that a successful sale is truly a team effort!
The Plant Sale
There was a great selection of plants this year. As well as a table full of perennials for both sun and shade, we offered some herbs and vegetables. Ann Williams and Annie Creighton were our resident horticulturalists available to advise customers.
There is a huge selection for everyone to choose from
Ann Williams with a selection of "Top Picks".
Ute Webb with the Pretty Pots for Mother's Day.
Enthusiastic Customers
Community Support
The Grassroot Grannies appreciate the support we receive from local elected officials.
Customers were already lined up along the street before opening. They were held back by tape which was cut at 8 am to let them in to shop. The Plant Sale and Market Place has many repeat customers. What was surprising was how many people were new customers who had searched for plant sales on the internet, seen the local signs or read about the sale in the community newspaper. Advertising and word of mouth help to make this event such a success.
First time trio found some some plants to take home.
Marg Terrett's decorative teacup ornaments were a hit with this customer.
This couple has already made their choices.
Jack Dyment and Jim Thomson with Karen McCrimmon, MPP for Kanata-Carleton.
Lina Hallé and Sheila Brady are with Cathy Curry, city councillor for Kanata North Ward.
Our Corporate Donors
The Venue
Carole and Arnie Redmond once again graciously allowed The Grassroot Grannies to hold the plant sale on their property
Carol Redmond receives a stepping stone in appreciation for her generosity and patience.
The Ride to Turn the Tide has raised over $975,687 for the Grandmothers to Grandmothers campaign for the Stephen Lewis Foundation since 2010. This year we added $93,000 to the total.
Congratulations to all participants!
The Ride
This year's Ride to Turn the Tide was a fabulous success. Thirty-one riders chose either a 2-day or a 1-day ride. The two-day riders started at Bushtukah in Stittsville and then cycled to Perth for an overnight stay. They were treated to a tasty pot-luck dinner at Diana Bracegirdle's home. On the second day all cyclists met in Almonte for a "Cycle-By" at the Naismith Memorial Public School with the students. It was followed by a lovely luncheon at the United Church. The weather cooperated and we experienced two sunny warm summer days for the ride. There were no flat tires or any other unfortunate events to mar the ride so all riders had a wonderful experience. Many thanks to Stella Val and Michèle Dextras for their leadership and planning.
The whole team gathers in Almonte before cycling to the Naismith Memorial Elementary School.
Getting the muffins, aquares and cookies organized.
In the words of one first-time rider,
"I absolutely loved the rides, perfect routes and distances. I particularly enjoyed the part of the ride on day 2 from Perth to Almonte; and of course as you said, the weather couldn’t have been better.
The organization of the event was excellent - from help and tips on fundraising to passing on old cycling jerseys and the reassuring sight of the sag wagon with cold drinks and snacks, never too far away. Stella and Michèle seemed happy to answer any questions and I felt cared for along this whole journey."
Rest stop by the Rideau River
Three riders at a rest stop.
Two-day riders leaving from Bushtukah in Stittsville
One-day riders in Carleton Place
The Importance of Fundraising
Essential Rest Stops
"What made the whole event so special was the camaraderie, not only between the riders, but between the other groups of Grannies who fed us and took care of us along the way. It really felt like we were all in it together and working for a common cause."
Picnic lunch in Carleton Place
The bench in Almonte
String Cats serenade the riders at lunch in Almonte
Perth dinner at Diana Bracegirdle's house.
Support along the way
The Grassroot Grannies are supported along the way by other groups. In Merrickville lunch is provided for the two-day riders by the Anglican Church women. In Perth the dinner at Diana Bracegirdle's home is organized by the Lanark Grannies. In Almonte we are hosted by women who were formerly Mississippi Grannies who are kind enough to keep volunteering to feed us.
All riders appreciate the wonderful food and the warm welcome provided by these volunteers along the way.
Many thanks!
Volunteers provide a tasty, nutritious lunch in Almonte.
Another comment from a first-time rider.
"I used the ride as a goal for the summer - it provided the perfect excuse to ride a longer route and do a few more hills, to get into shape for two consecutive days of cycling. I went into the event thinking I would do the ride one time for the experience - nobody relishes fund-raising, but now I’m already thinking about next year."
We all enjoy doing the ride. It gives us a goal for summer fitness. However, the real work of the Ride is the work that all riders do to raise money for the Stephen Lewis Foundation. This year the group raised an astonishing $93,000. Everyone is encouraged to raise money but some of the riders are truly super-fundraisers. Our top fundraiser this year raised over $7,000 and there are also a number of members (some riders, some support) who raise over $5000. Many other riders manage to raise between $2000-$5000. All participants are to be congratulated for their efforts and every bit helps. This is truly amazing and deserves commendation. The total reflects a team effort.
When asked what the secret is to being a successful fundraiser, there are a couple of recommendations from the top fundraisers. The first is to ask absolutely everybody you know and don't be shy about it! You cannot predict who will support you and who won't. The other thing is to be persistent. Of course it helps if you have a couple of big donors, a large and enthusiastic family or belong to large organizations. Use of social media like Facebook and Messenger help to contact everyone you know including overseas friends. The last recommendation is to keep your approach to people personal rather than using a form letter. Also, make sure to follow up and thank your donors because you hope they will support you again next year.
Community Outreach and Education
This year the riders made a short visit to the Naismith Memorial Public School in Almonte. We were greeted this year by the more senior students in the school and their teachers. The students are prepped for the visit by a team of Grassroot Grannies in the spring to explain what we are doing. It was a beautiful, sunny day and the students enjoyed coming out to talk to the riders. Some students had fun questions about the bikes and what we do as grannies to raise money for Africa, and some just enjoyed the break!
Students waving goodbye to the cyclists.
Some great shots from the ride
Books, Crafts and Coffee
Friday, October 25th, 2024
St. Isidore Church, 1135 March Rd.
Another successful event!
This year the Grassroot Grannies held another successful Books, Crafts and Coffee event. Although the title of the event and the location have changed over the years, the purpose remains the same; to get together with friends and supporters, exchange books and fellowship, and maybe get a few stocking stuffers for Christmas! The event raised a total of $4492. After expenses we were able to donate $4085 to the Stephen Lewis Foundation for its excellent work abroad.
Jill Doherty and Michèle Dextras are ready to welcome guests.
Guests enjoy coffee, chat and homemade goodies.
Lots of crafts made by Grassroots Grannies to choose from.
As usual there were lots of good books to choose from.
Linda Connell and Nancy Hough sell fundraising cookies from Merrickville Bakery
