Where to buy Grandmothers' Necklace

Return to Valley Artisans' Co-op

Grandmothers’ Necklace is an anthology created in honour of grandmothers.

Over 60 professional, and some gifted non-professionals, writers and poets of multiple racial and socio-economic backgrounds from across Canada, the United States and Ireland have contributed to it. Joyous and wistful, hilarious and serious, the collection is too rich to be scanned all at once. Appreciate it a few gems at a time.

Through Patricia Anne Elford, of the Petawawa Grannies , the Editor and Compiler, ALL profits go to Grandmothers to Grandmothers of the Stephen Lewis Foundation, to assist the grandmothers of Africa, aged anywhere from their 40’s to their 80’s who have lost their adult children and are raising their grandchildren, alone, under unbelievably impoverished circumstances. These children were orphaned due to the death of their parents from AIDS and AIDS-related illnesses.

The first book launch was on Saturday, February 20, 2010, at the Petawawa Library, Petawawa, Ontario, the second, on Monday, February 22, 2010, at The Bean House Café, Deep River, ON, the third in Belleville on February 27, at Greenley’s Bookstore. Readings, signings and launches have followed in Ottawa, Smiths Falls and Kitchener, Stittsville, ON and in Truro, NS. 25 copies were sold at the exciting June 24,25th GranAfriCan Gathering in Toronto. Copies for selling went with Grannies from BC! Plans continue for Grandmothers’ Necklace events in other provinces and the USA.

Keep alert to learn of other launches, reading nights and signings; opportunities to hear some of the first- class writers, new places to buy a copy or more of the book and help the grandmothers of Sub- Saharan Africa as they selflessly, determinedly, fight to meet the daily challenges.

News Article - ChristianWeek

Where to Buy Grandmothers' Necklace

Sub-Saharan Africa had an estimated 13 million children orphaned by AIDS in 2006; this number is expected to reach 18-20 million in 2010. Amidst the overwhelming needs, grandmothers have stepped up to take on the care of children left destitute and alone. With hardly any resources, the grandmothers of Africa are at the heart of the community response to the AIDS pandemic. In some countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, between 40% and 60% of orphans live in grandparent-headed households; the vast majority of them are cared for by grandmothers.

Grandmothers' Necklace - now available at the Valley Artisans' Co-op

Why a BOOK? Because, unlike the rest of the Petawawa Grannies, I don’t knit, sew, crochet or make patchwork quilts. I don’t golf or do crafts, except as a teaching device or with my grandchildren. I do write and I do edit…that’s what I have to give. The call for submissions went out. Wonderful, wonderful material came in. I was, and am, very grateful for its quality. It’s one thing to have people buy something for a “good cause”. It is a great bonus to know that this something is really worth the price, and more.
--Patricia Elford