Victoria Grandmothers for Africa mark a $2 million milestone this week – one 17 years in the making.
Since 2006, the Victoria Grandmothers for Africa (or VG4A) has raised funds for the Stephen Lewis Foundation Grandmothers to Grandmothers campaign. The funds support grandmothers and their families living with the ongoing consequences of the HIV and AIDS pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa.
Members have raised funds a variety of ways, including African dinners, crafts, participating often in the national Stride to Turn the Tide and running a successful annual cycle tour.
It took 11 years for the group to raise $1 million and six years later the women are celebrating the second million, said Lisbie Rae, cyclist and communications chair for the organization.
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The VG4A cycle tour launches at Mile 0 in Victoria on Aug. 13 at 9 a.m. After opening remarks, cyclists will ride along the Dallas Road bike path to Clover Point for photographs then continue on to Cadboro Bay for coffee.
During the Cycle Tour, each rider counts kilometres whether on a regular bike, e-bike, stationary bike or spin bike targeting a personal goal for the month. Optional group rides add fun and friendship to the challenge. The tour ends on Sept. 10 at 3 p.m. at Mile 0.
Riders are raising funds for community-led organizations in Africa that support grandmothers caring for children left vulnerable by the HIV and AIDS pandemic.
Registration is closed for the annual 275 km ride from Campbell River to Victoria that rolls out Sept. 8 to 10.
Visit vg4a.ca/Cycle-Tour to register for other rides or donate.
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