The Ottawa Citizen: Published Aug 22, 2014
Wakefield Grannies to party hard for 10th anniversary
Each year at this time, the Wakefield Grannies hold a fundraising concert for two groups of grandmothers raising their AIDS-orphaned grandchildren in South Africa, but this year is very special. That’s because 2014 marks the 10th year since one motivated grandmother in Wakefield, Norma Geggie, started what has become a national movement, with hundreds of granny groups across Canada — including more than 30 in the Ottawa-Gatineau area — raising millions of dollars for their grandmother sisters in sub-Saharan Africa.
This year’s celebratory concert and fête will take place on Aug. 31 from noon to 4 p.m. in the new outdoor amphitheatre at the Fairbairn Museum in Wakefield, just a few steps away from the famous covered bridge, at 45 Wakefield Heights. The day will include a concert of excellent African music with Senegalese sensation Élage M’Baye and his band; the a cappella singing group SIFA; as well as a performance by Fiddleheads Musical Theatre with their brand new “Fiddlers’ History of Canada.” There will also be great food, a barbecue, and an eclectic tent marketplace to explore — so lots of entertainment and fun for everyone.
Élage M’Baye is no stranger to those who follow African-inspired music. Born to a traditional griot family in Senegal, he started playing all manner of traditional Sabaar drums at the age of eight — this continued when the family moved to Canada. Along with his own ensemble, Élage has been a member of The Mighty Popo’s band since 2002, travelling the country performing an inspiring blend of Senegalese and modern music.
The a cappella singing group SIFA was founded by its director, Neema Mugala, almost 30 years ago. SIFA means “praise” in Kiswahili, signifying the group’s intent: to pay tribute to the beauty of African roots in song, dance and percussion. They have played extensively in Canada and the U.S., including performing for Nelson Mandela. As a special treat, Neema will also sing with Élage and his band during this concert.
Fiddleheads Musical Theatre is a group of energetic young performers under the direction of Trish Barclay, based in Old Chelsea. They sing, dance, act and fiddle to tell the lively stories of the fiddle and its many incarnations in Canada, and elsewhere. They’re a huge crowd-pleaser.
Those who have attended this annual event before will know that there is much more to it than the concert. The marketplace — expanded this year — includes all kinds of jewelry and clothing and accessories for sale, as well as a selection of delicious homemade food and a big barbecue. The grannies really do know how to throw a party!
Wakefield Grannies to party hard for 10th anniversary
Each year at this time, the Wakefield Grannies hold a fundraising concert for two groups of grandmothers raising their AIDS-orphaned grandchildren in South Africa, but this year is very special. That’s because 2014 marks the 10th year since one motivated grandmother in Wakefield, Norma Geggie, started what has become a national movement, with hundreds of granny groups across Canada — including more than 30 in the Ottawa-Gatineau area — raising millions of dollars for their grandmother sisters in sub-Saharan Africa.
This year’s celebratory concert and fête will take place on Aug. 31 from noon to 4 p.m. in the new outdoor amphitheatre at the Fairbairn Museum in Wakefield, just a few steps away from the famous covered bridge, at 45 Wakefield Heights. The day will include a concert of excellent African music with Senegalese sensation Élage M’Baye and his band; the a cappella singing group SIFA; as well as a performance by Fiddleheads Musical Theatre with their brand new “Fiddlers’ History of Canada.” There will also be great food, a barbecue, and an eclectic tent marketplace to explore — so lots of entertainment and fun for everyone.
Élage M’Baye is no stranger to those who follow African-inspired music. Born to a traditional griot family in Senegal, he started playing all manner of traditional Sabaar drums at the age of eight — this continued when the family moved to Canada. Along with his own ensemble, Élage has been a member of The Mighty Popo’s band since 2002, travelling the country performing an inspiring blend of Senegalese and modern music.
The a cappella singing group SIFA was founded by its director, Neema Mugala, almost 30 years ago. SIFA means “praise” in Kiswahili, signifying the group’s intent: to pay tribute to the beauty of African roots in song, dance and percussion. They have played extensively in Canada and the U.S., including performing for Nelson Mandela. As a special treat, Neema will also sing with Élage and his band during this concert.
Fiddleheads Musical Theatre is a group of energetic young performers under the direction of Trish Barclay, based in Old Chelsea. They sing, dance, act and fiddle to tell the lively stories of the fiddle and its many incarnations in Canada, and elsewhere. They’re a huge crowd-pleaser.
Those who have attended this annual event before will know that there is much more to it than the concert. The marketplace — expanded this year — includes all kinds of jewelry and clothing and accessories for sale, as well as a selection of delicious homemade food and a big barbecue. The grannies really do know how to throw a party!
Photo: Ilse Turnsen (left) and Ruth Salmon (right) were congratulated on their work with the Wakefield Grannies by Minister of Foreign Affairs Lawrence Cannon (centre).
Grannies turn over recognition card in push for action on generic drugs
by Mark Burgess
published in The Low Down to Hull & Back News, September 29, 2010
From the austere chambers of the Foreign Affairs building on Sussex Drive to the halls of the Canadian embassy in Rome, the Wakefield Grannies are being recognized for their work in combating HIV / AIDS in Africa. Far from resting on their laurels though, the group is continuing to push for wider access to generic drugs. Members of the Canadian Club of Rome, a group of ex-pat that helps Canadian network in the Italian capital, decided they wanted to help fundraise for the Grannies and flew Theatre Wakefield producers Brenda and Robert Rooney over for a gala screening of their documentary about the group.
Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon, who is the MP for Pontiac, caught wind of the event at the embassy and invited grannies Ruth Salmon and Ilse Turnsen to his office to congratulate them on their achievements and the international recognition they’ve garnered. While Salmon and Turnsen appreciated the recognition and the chance to talk to the minister about their work, they also didn’t squander the opportunity to present Cannon with a letter requesting action on the distribution of generic drugs for HIV /AIDS victims.
The two said that while all parties in the House of Commons supported fast-tracking the medicine’s delivery in 2004, action has been frustratingly slow. They’re joining a protest on parliament Hill on Sept. 29 put on by Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network in support of a private members bill that would ease distribution restrictions. “It’s the moral thing to do” Turnsen said, adding that only six per cent of infected children receive proper treatment.
She and Salmon told the minister he would be an ”incredible spokesperson” to “clear up the red tape” that prevents the drugs from being distributed. “Cannon said he would give this matter his attention and we trust that he is sincere,” Salmon said.
by Mark Burgess
published in The Low Down to Hull & Back News, September 29, 2010
From the austere chambers of the Foreign Affairs building on Sussex Drive to the halls of the Canadian embassy in Rome, the Wakefield Grannies are being recognized for their work in combating HIV / AIDS in Africa. Far from resting on their laurels though, the group is continuing to push for wider access to generic drugs. Members of the Canadian Club of Rome, a group of ex-pat that helps Canadian network in the Italian capital, decided they wanted to help fundraise for the Grannies and flew Theatre Wakefield producers Brenda and Robert Rooney over for a gala screening of their documentary about the group.
Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon, who is the MP for Pontiac, caught wind of the event at the embassy and invited grannies Ruth Salmon and Ilse Turnsen to his office to congratulate them on their achievements and the international recognition they’ve garnered. While Salmon and Turnsen appreciated the recognition and the chance to talk to the minister about their work, they also didn’t squander the opportunity to present Cannon with a letter requesting action on the distribution of generic drugs for HIV /AIDS victims.
The two said that while all parties in the House of Commons supported fast-tracking the medicine’s delivery in 2004, action has been frustratingly slow. They’re joining a protest on parliament Hill on Sept. 29 put on by Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network in support of a private members bill that would ease distribution restrictions. “It’s the moral thing to do” Turnsen said, adding that only six per cent of infected children receive proper treatment.
She and Salmon told the minister he would be an ”incredible spokesperson” to “clear up the red tape” that prevents the drugs from being distributed. “Cannon said he would give this matter his attention and we trust that he is sincere,” Salmon said.