January 2014 – issue

In this issue you will read:

After the African Grandmothers Pg 2 Exciting News: Five Grandmothers Pg 6 Tribunal to

Standing with the African Pg 3 Grandmother Groups’ Reports Pg 7 Grandmothers, by Mia Overduin Dynamic Linda Pg 12

Report on the Atlantic Pg 4 Book review of “Americanah” by Pg 13 Grandmothers Gathering Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Visit of Ida Nambeya and Pg 5 Opportunity for fundraising; “38 Pg14 Yasmin Mussa Ways to Entertain Your Grandparents……”

Photo by Cathie Archbould The African Grandmothers Tribunal took place on September 7th , 2013 in the CHAN Centre in Vancouver, B.C.

This issue of Shore to Shore opens with comments of and Ilana Landsberg-Lewis on this historic event.

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After the African Grandmothers Tribunal The “People’s Tribunal” was an astonishing exploration of the way in which African grandmothers contend– both poignantly and courageously—with their beleaguered lives. It was, of course, a logical extension to the Grandmothers’ Gatherings in both Canada and Africa, as well as the frequent trips, back and forth, of African grandmothers to Canada and Canadian grandmothers to Africa. It’s no exaggeration to say that an international Grandmothers’ movement has been created.

We don’t pretend that this is some supernatural achievement on the part of the Foundation. But we would argue that recognition of the struggles of grandmothers, and their collective embrace of orphans, is unique in the annals of the HIV and AIDS pandemic. What’s more it’s indispensable. Let us explain why.

The current mantra in dealing with AIDS is “zero deaths,” “zero new infections.” It’s a strategy promoted by UNAIDS with the support of the scientific and political establishments. And it’s entirely admirable except for one fatal flaw: it leaves out whole categories of people who are adversely affected by the virus. Two of those categories are grandmothers and orphans.

Incredibly enough, in the latest issue of the comprehensive UNAIDS update on the pandemic, 2013, published just a few weeks ago, grandmothers and orphans are written out of the text. They nowhere appear! Where grandmothers are concerned, this could be seen as a willful slap to the face of gender equality; where orphans are concerned, it could be seen as a gross violation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Taken together it’s an astonishing gap in the response. But ours is not to take issue…ours is to demonstrate why the Tribunal was so profoundly important.

Somewhere, some organization—and in this case, we proudly say it’s the Foundation—must give profile to the grandmothers of Africa and the staggering demands they face in raising orphan grandchildren. In several countries, the grandmothers, many who are themselves HIV- positive, look after between 40 and 60 per cent of the orphans, and there are some 15 to 16 million orphans.

In the face of this intense human predicament, we could become insensate with rage at the injustice of it all. But that’s not our choice. Our choice is to honour the grandmothers, enfold the orphans in our arms, and support them to make all of their lives whole again.

Stephen Lewis Ilana Landsberg-Lewis Chair of the Board & Co-Founder Executive Director & Co-Founder Stephen Lewis Foundation Stephen Lewis Foundation

For summaries of all speeches we recommend reading Grassroots , Fall 2013 issue , a Special edition on the African Grandmothers Tribunal. This is also available on the website: http://www.stephenlewisfoundation.org/news-resources/grassroots-newsletter The full report is on www.africangrandmotherstribunal.org

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Excerpt from “STANDING WITH THE AFRICAN GRANDMOTHERS « by a grandmother: Mia Overduin, Ottawa Citizen, September 18, 2013

Since the start of the crisis, African grandmothers have evolved as experts and leaders of their communities, bringing hope by building better futures and sharing their meagre resources. Importantly, they are increasingly acknowledged by governments and international NGOs.

On September 7, 2013, the SLF hosted the African Grandmothers Tribunal to shine a public light on the denial of their human rights, and to stand with African grandmothers and their organizations. Held at the CHAN Centre of the UBC in Vancouver, the Tribunal amplified the voices of the grandmothers and sent out a clarion call for change: to promote, protect and respect their rights to property, bodily integrity, income security, freedom from violence, and quality of health care.

Six African grandmothers and two expert witness representatives from grassroots organizations supporting the grandmothers and the vulnerable children in their care, spoke to the need for change through improved laws, policies, funding priorities, consultation, positive, cultural practices and greater access to justice. They highlighted the threat of discrimination grandmothers face at the frontlines of the pandemic, based on sex, age, and HIV status. The Tribunal judges: Gloria Steinem, Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond, Joy Phumaphi, and Theo Sowa responded by addressing the remedies to be secured as urgent priorities for the grandmothers at the local, national and international levels.

As we heard the stories of the grandmothers’ shattered lives, tears flowed. What was most striking about these women was their staunchness, their regal presence commanding attention. Dressed in radiance, star-like and warrior-like, they drew us in. Are these the women we tend to see as victims of their devastating circumstances, their lives ravaged by AIDS, loss of their children, husbands, care for their grandchildren and other orphans?

What is it like to lose your children to AIDS, to have your land and home ripped from you by your in-laws? How do you soothe the anguish of your grandchildren bereft of the love and security of their parents? Where are the resources, the community supports, the government and its social networks?

Who are these warrior women who stand before us telling their heart-rending tales of loss? Where did they get their spirit, their resolve, their resilience and their staunch solidarity? Ever so powerful they conveyed their indomitable will to mobilize and stand together to rebuild communities of hope and support.

What came to life on this global stage in the rawness of the women’s stories was their unanimous fervor to continue their relentless, passionate work – to advocate not only for themselves and their families but also for their peers and the sanctity of life in their communities. 3

Is it not our responsibility as global citizens to respond to those sacred rights – their human rights of dignity, protection, freedom from violence, income security, quality health care, and access to justice? Let this be a call to all of us Canadians to get involved and stand in solidarity with African grandmothers as transformers of change, to ensure the funds they need to turn the tide of AIDS.

REPORT ON THE ATLANTIC GRANDMOTHERS GATHERING, a report by Grandmothers Helping Grandmothers, Fredericton, N.B.

The Gathering took place on September 20 & 21 in Summersidee, P.E.I. There were 63 registered participants including Kay Matthews who flew in from Newfoundland for the day. The Gathering and hotel rooms were all in one central area of the Quality Inn and lunch and dinner were in the restaurant next door . Joining us from the Stephen Lewis Foundation were Alexis MacDonald and Yasmin Mussa - vibrant, committed and very interesting young women. Anne McEwen, Helen MacDonald, Nancy Yasmin provided some facts on fundraising including McFarlane the fact that the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Photo : Aexis MacDonald Campaign has raised $19,000,000 so far (since 2006) and the Atlantic region has raised $764,562.00! Alexis gave the Keynote address: she presented a Yasmin Mussa, Alexis MacDonald slide show of her photographs of African women and stressed that her purpose is to show that the women are many faceted – there were expressions of happiness, sadness, anger, dismay, hope and hopelessness. Too often we see just one side of the person: e.g. the emaciated African child. She gave us insight into all aspects of the grandmothers’ lives. The focus of the campaign is to give the grandmothers what they need to do the work that needs to be done. They are the decision makers – we provide the funds and collaborate when asked.

Both women mentioned the Tribunal that was held in Vancouver. Six African grandmothers and two expert witnesses presented their stories to 4 judges, followed by a call to action. The warm reception of these 8 women by the Canadian grandmothers and the process they went through validated their stories and helped them understand that their cause 4

is important to Canadian Grandmothers. A DVD is available through the SLF – and soon PBS will broadcast a report on the Tribunal. In the workshop on “Keeping The Drive Alive Through Youth” , Linda Wills and Ruth Anne Sutherland asked us to discuss why it is important to keep youth involved in the G to G Campaign and concluded that (1)Youth bring a different perspective and (2) have more energy. (3) We need to have someone to pass on the commitment as well as (4) to establish the will to help.

Janet Boswell, Marilyn Sceles Ruth Anne Sutherland and Linda Wills

Linda and Ruth Anne from Halifax enacted a school visit and talked about the red shoelace campaign – a red shoelace is sold for $2 and the students wear them in their shoes, hair, on their wrists etc. - which gives the opportunity to introduce the G2G Campaign as well as the SLF. There is a handout available to give to a teacher who might ask you into a classroom so that the teacher can prepare the class for your visit (available by e- mail from the Speakers Bureau: Ruth Anne Sutherland at [email protected] ).

In addition to a Market Place, there were presentations on fundraising facilitated by Carol Anne Daigle. Contributors from several grandmothers group were highlighting a fundraiser: a Kitchen party, a Scrabble tournament, a wine and cheese /silent auction evening, a book exchange and social evening and a fabric and yarn sale. A presentation by GRAN included a push for Canada to do their fair share in regards to the Global Fund. One person spoke about the plight of some Canadian grandparents who are raising their grandchildren on fixed incomes with no outside help. The Grandmothers Gathering was inspiring and a great success.

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IDA NAMBEYA AND YASMIN MUSSA TOUR NOVA SCOTIA.

Ida Nambeya, one of 5 field representatives of SLF in Africa, was to be the keynote speaker at the Grandmothers gathering in Summerside. Unfortunately, her mother died and Ida had to return to Africa. By November she was back in Canada, giving presentations. SLF decided that together with Yasmin Mussa, Ida would visit Grandmothers in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland because most could not attend the PEI conference. Unfortunately, the Newfoundland

Ida Nambeya, Yasmin Mussa grandmothers missed out on their visit as the flights were at very inconvenient hours. The Nova Scotia groups made good use of SLF’s unique offer, organizing Ida’s tour from Jeddore to Mahone Bay and Annapolis Valley giving 11 presentations in 4 days . Yasmin talked about the importance and success of the Grandmothers Campaign. After describing her own experiences as an HIV positive person, Ida gave vivid accounts of her visits to several community organizations in 2007 as well as in 2012, highlighting the great variety of needs and at times moving and funny responses of the grandmothers. The material, economic, social and psychological progress made in just 5 years is impressive. The African grandmothers are very grateful for the funds raised by the Canadian grandmothers. Ida also described another part of her work: checking all the books and receipts, making sure that all money has been accounted for, checking plans and budgets, interviewing all the different departments of the community organizations. This also includes visiting schools and teachers, visiting and interviewing the beneficiairies (orphans, grandmothers, people living with HIV/AIDS) to make sure that money is well spent and writing extensive reports to SLF. After the presentations and travel, Ida and Yasmin had more work to do: calls and e- mails to Africa and the SLF. The passing of Nelson Mandela was very sad and meant more phone calls and e-mails. Ida’s and Yasmin’s tour inspired us and was a great success.

EXCITING NEWS : FIVE GRANDMOTHERS TO AFRICA

We are very excited that five grandmothers will visit Africa. In January 2014 Marilyn Sceles (Bedford) and Jacqui Sumarah (Annie’s Grannies) traveled with Give International for two weeks to and worked there in some communities. BJ Kirby (Dartmouth), Norma Carey (SSAGE, Mahone Bay) and Winnie Kwak (Malaika, Halifax) have been selected to participate in the SLF organized trip to Africa in March 2014. For two weeks they will visit grassroots organizations in , and ending with a “Gogolympics” near Durban, South Africa. By April or May there will be 5 Nova Scotia grandmothers ready to give presentations about their observations and experiences in Africa. Please make sure to invite them for your groups and use this opportunity to invite many people from your community to raise funds for and awareness of the African grandmothers. To make a booking for these presentations, contact Ruth Anne Sutherland of the Speakers’ Bureau at [email protected] . 6

GRANDMOTHER GROUPS’ REPORTS

TNG - TERRE NEUVE GRANNIES in Newfoundland During early Fall 2013, the Terre Neuve Grannies sold Spring bulbs from Vesey’s, PEI. The money raised is being used for promotional materials for the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign in St. John’s as we try to create other grandmother groups in Newfoundland and Labrador. In September, one of the coordinators, Kay Matthews, attended the annual regional conference in Sunnyside, PEI. The conference was very enjoyable and informative. The session on fundraising projects carried out by other grandmother groups was particularly helpful. We are planning a Scrabble tournament for late Spring as a result of the regional meeting.

BEDFORD GRANDMOTHERS in HRM, N.S.

In November the Bedford Grandmothers sold 50 theatre tickets for a choice of three performances of the well - publicized production “Calendar Girls”. The performance was enjoyed by all and received very good reviews. In December the Bedford Grandmothers and Rockingham Grannies hosted a lunch for Ida Nambeya and Yasmin Mussa in the Scot Manor House and invited grandmothers from the area. All enjoyed and were inspired by Ida’s engaging talk about the lives of the grandmothers in communities supported by SLF. Marilyn Sceles Ida, Doreen Crick

MALAIKA GRANDMOTHERS OF HALIFAX in N. S.

Malaika Grandmothers decided to host a presentation by Ida Nambeya and wanted to ensure that those not associated with the Stephen Lewis Foundation and the Grandmothers could feel included and welcomed so they booked a room at the Dalhousie Student Union Building. Ida began her talk with a glance around the room and a big smile, acknowledging that in attendance were not only women of 'a certain age' but men and students too. The insight and honesty of Ida's talk and slide presentation moved all those attending. Several in the audience 7

had at one time in their lives worked or volunteered in Africa and their questions and observations led to a lively discussion period. The event was informative and inspiring, and led several in attendance to make encouraging and welcome donations to the SLF. Malaika Grandmothers are planning an afternoon of “Experience A World of Teas” on Sunday, February 23. Those attending will enjoy tea tasting at 8 stations as well as enlightening and entertaining demonstrations of tea preparation and traditions.

CHARLOTTETOWN G’MA CIRCLE in P.E.I.

In Sept. 2013 some members from the group participated in the 2013 Atlantic Gathering in Summerside PEI , hosted by their sister group G’ma Circle of PEI. It was a great experience and everyone enjoyed it immensely In October 2013 they had their 2nd Annual Book Exchange fundraiser which was successful. Many books were donated, plenty of comfortable chairs were available to sit, you could browse, look at a book and could grab some delicious sweets and a hot cup of tea/coffee. November 28, 2013 they had their monthly meeting at the Quality Inn on the Hill in Charlottetown and had a “Bring and Buy” dinner. Everyone brought to the dinner a $5.00 gift, and placed it in a basket where it was marked with a number. At the end of the dinner they all bought a number for $5.00 and then the number picked was matched to a gift in the basket. It was a great way to celebrate the upcoming Christmas season as well as make it a time to donate to the Stephen Lewis Foundation. Their next big fund raiser is in March.

SHORE FOR AFRICAN GRANDMOTHERS ( SAGE) in Jeddore, N.S.

The SAGE grandmothers had a very successful Dare to Dine evening on October 19th. They served a 3 course meal of salad, baked ham, and pie to about 70 guests and enjoyed musical entertainment by Coastal Voices Men's Choir.

They also had the pleasure of hosting a visit with Ida and Yasmin on Dec. 5th at the home of Eileen Humphreys. The presentation was astounding along with the casual conversation and treats that followed.

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TAG – TANTRAMAR ASSOCIATION OF GRANDMOTHERS in N. B.

The focus of their meetings this fall in Tantramar, was planning for their 4th annual Dare to Dine Soup Night at Sackville’s Midnight Madness on December 6th. The event was once again a success and the evening was enjoyed by the grandmother hosts as much as the visitors! Judith Colwell surprised the group with lovely new handmade aprons to wear for the first time! A Kazuri jewellery table was also a highlight at the pre-Christmas supper event. Two of their members, Ruth Buckinger and Heather Patterson attended the Atlantic gathering in PEI this September. TAG plans to Tantramar Association of Grandmothers Dare consider another fundraiser, make some plans to Dine Soup Night in December.Top (left to for education of members and prepare for Stride right) Brenda Allen,Jane Drover,Judith in June. Colwell,Ruth Buckinger,Heather Patterson Bottom(left to right): Nancy Burridge, Anne Pirie, Shelley Hallman, Shirley Oliver.

BAY GRANDMOTHERS in St. Margaret’s Bay area, N.S.

The Bay Grandmothers hosted their annual African Luncheon on November 16th. with the assistance of five Scotiabank elves. In addition to the craft ,baked goods, Kazuri Jewellery and African Threads tables, they introduced their Vintage jewellery selection. Toria Aidoo and her 2 daughters Esi and Ama Aidoo, graciously agreed to perform for the guests who enjoyed their singing, drumming and dance selections. The first luncheon was held in 2007 and they are most grateful for the ongoing support from throughout the Bay Toria, Ama and Esi Aidoo with community. Jean Harris and Ruth Anne December 4th Jean Harris hosted a gathering which Sutherland enjoyed Ida Nambeya’s thoughtful presentation.

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SSAGE –SOUTH SHORE SUPPORTING AFRICAN GRANDMOTHERS’ EFFORTS in MahoneBay-Lunenburg, N.S.

In September the SSAGE grandmothers had our luncheon in Lunenburg. Even though there was competition with other events, it was nice and successful. We again had our booth at the Lunenburg Farmers Market for the 6 Thursdays before Christmas. It brings the grandmothers into the community and is always a very social time where we can inform the public about the Grandmothers Campaign. The high point of the fall was when Winnie brought Ida and Yasmin to

Mahone Bay. What a wonderful woman Ida is. Ida and SSAGE Yasmin informed us about the workings of SLF and the grandmothers were so glad to have her with us too. It was a busy fall but very worthwhile.

ROCKINGHAM GRANNIES, HRM, N.S.

Over the last year, we experienced the full gauntlet of real high experiences with an Edwardian Tea Party beside the lake, a Dare to dine Christmas Dinner, a Holiday Christmas Tree sale, an organized garden sale by 3 children and also participated in the HRM Grandmothers Groups’ Scrabble Tournament. Athough many donations were made, we feel sadness with the passing of Isabelle Vardon, one of our founding members who inspired us to think that nothing was too big to try….for example our Titanic High Tea in

Edwardian dress! When Isabelle saw a little dress made from a Isabelle Vardon pillow case, she brought it to the group and suggested that we might make dresses for the little girls in the orphanages. With the enthusiasm of Joan Embree, they organized a sewing group and have sent 1700 dresses directly to orphanages in Africa, Haiti and Jamaica, along with shorts for the little boys – whom they thought “ought not to be left out”. Our group is small but, we think, “mighty”. We are prepared to come on side and help whenever possible.

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DARTMOUTH GRANDMOTHERS in N. S.

The first fundraiser this fall was selling tickets for a Charity Night performance of Blackpool and Parrish at Dartmouth Players in early November. Later that month the Grandmothers took part in the annual Findlay Centre craft sale, selling items made by the group. The very next day they provided a soup lunch to the congregation at St. James United Church in Dartmouth, where they also sold craft items. These 3 fundraisers were all very successful, but the highlight of our season was our annual potluck lunch held in early December. It’s always a fun event but this year they were very honoured to have special guests, Ida Nambeya and Yasmin Mussa from the Stephen Lewis Foundation. Ida presented a slide show and gave a very entertaining and inspiring talk about her work in Ethiopia and .

Top Picture from left: Audrey Cox, Linda Tannahill, Mary Hills, BJ Kirby, Cheryl Sawler, Liz Axnick, Ida Nambeya, Marian Tobin, Joanne Horton, Mary Munro Front: Sheila Donovan, Sue Skerrett Bottom Pictures, left and right: Projects in , stories about which were part of Ida’s presentation. Centre: Yasmin Mussa and Ida Nambeya

Photos by : Rhondda Smith

GRANDMOTHERS HELPING GRANDMOTHERS in Fredericton, N. B. For the third consecutive year a great fun fundraising Dance was held Nov. 08, 2013. Tickets were sold for $25, there was a cash bar and the grandmothers were to partner with the band Vinyl2Bits, a high energy 9 piece band. Once the first note is sounded the dance floor is filled.. Both the patrons and the band members describe it as "a great night". They raise much money with the dance each year. The grandmothers are most grateful to the band who donated their

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evening and talents, to the Crowne Plaza who for the third year have donated their ballroom and to the patrons who say good night adding...see you next year! We are most fortunate to have the support of the media. The Wreath campaign has become an annual event. A grandmother has gone to each church involved to explain the purpose and goals of the grandmothers' group. We sell wreaths to the people in the congregation as well as to our neighbours, friends and relatives. Presently they have ten different sites where the wreaths are sold and picked up. The Grandmothers purchase their wreaths from local makers who are delighted as it certainly helps their sales. Each year they sell about a thousand wreaths, doublesided balsam fir, decorated or plain. This has become one of their Nancy MacGarvie (right) and customer signature events. Sharon McMullin

DYNAMIC LINDA

In the past three years Linda Wills served as a Grandmother Regional Liason for the Atlantic Provinces while continuing to be active in her own group, the Bay Grandmothers. As a Liaison Linda was active in the Atlantic Provinces *setting up meetings, keeping in touch with and supporting as many grandmothers groups as possible, *organizing conferences and special events, * participating in the National Walk Committee. * She participated in GRLiason conference calls, GRL conferences in Toronto and Liaison committees, * Co-designed the structure for the liaison succession and * She was one of the committee of three, that prepared a new kit for presenters of the Speakers Bureau’s across Canada. This will be made available on the SLF website. In this period she initiated Hear Ye! Hear Ye! which serves to inform groups in the Atlantic Region of upcoming Linda Wills at STRIDE events organized by grandmothers groups.

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She started the Atlantic newsletter, Shore to Shore which she edited and published twice a year. Linda gave many presentations for different audiences: grandmothers groups, church groups, elementary and secondary schools, universities, Grandmothers Gatherings, Womens’ Wellness Conference, etc . She developed criteria for presentations for different audiences and gave several workshops in making power point presentations to individuals and small groups. As a result, Linda expanded the role of the Speakers Bureau which now handles bookings for speakers and provides support and workshops for any grandmother who is interested in developing a presentation. The Liaison job had grown tremendously and it was clear that the tasks Linda had initiated were too many to continue to be performed by one person. As a result now Ruth Anne Sutherland is responsible for the Speakers Bureau, Winnie Kwak and BJ Kirby are (temporary) co-editors for Shore to Shore, Linda Wills will continue Hear Ye! Hear Ye! , Winnie Kwak is the GRLiaison-Atlantic and Linda graciously agreed to be the temporary Co-Liaison. Linda will continue to be active in different capacities in the Grandmothers Campaign. THANK YOU LINDA for all your contributions and your dedication to the Grandmothers Campaign. Succeeding Linda Wills means filling big shoes, even if you have to fill only part of them.

Book review “AMERICANAH” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Adichie is a Nigerian raised writer who now divides her time between the United States and Nigeria. This is a very rewarding read, and at almost 500 pages, I was left wanting to know more about the large cast of characters. A young boy and girl fall in love in High School in Nigeria, but are separated for many years as they pursue their dreams in the U.S. and England. In the days of the military dictatorship, everyone wants to live in one of these countries, legally or not. They have varied experiences, and the girl, Ifemulu, becomes first a lawyer and then a famous blogger about race in the U.S. These blogs make for fascinating reading, as the relationships between blacks of different hues, Hispanics and whites are analyzed by the observant and witty Ifemulu. Obinze is not so lucky as an illegal in England, but makes good back home in Nigeria by discovering how to work the corrupt system. This is a must read for anyone interested in contemporary Africa, sharp observations on racism, fully developed characters and a really good love story. I am going to check out her previous books! Submitted by Deborah Duncan, librarian, Coquitlam Gogos member Reprinted with permission from Deborah Duncan and the Greater Van GoGo Bulletin, BC, January 2014.

When you have read a book about Africa or written by African authors, that you recommend, please submit a brief book review to Shore to Shore. 13

Opportunity for Fundraising : « 38 WAYS TO ENTERTAIN YOUR GRANDPARENTS »

Book Available On Consignment For Fundraising

38 Ways To Entertain Your Grandparents, a charming little book that Toronto area G2G groups have been selling at fundraisers for the last year and a half, is now available to G2G groups across the country, through It Takes A Grandmother - and we’re able to offer it on consignment. Most groups are selling it 1 for $12, or 2 for $20. It makes an inexpensive small gift for anyone to give a new grandparent, and it’s easy to add it on to an existing fundraiser such as Kazuri. John Hunter, who is providing the book to us, will now be donating the money that he’s reimbursed for the books to the Stephen Lewis Foundation, so that means that 100% of the selling price will be donated to the Foundation. For information about receiving copies contact Sallie Mark, [email protected]

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Thank you very much for all your submissions. Editors: Winnie Kwak, Linda Wills , BJ Kirby

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