Over 30 members and supporters of Victoria Grandmothers for Africa (VG4A) launched their annual cycling tour on Aug. 10 to raise funds to counter HIV and AIDS in African countries to offset cuts being made to international aid.
"With the decision to cease funding by [United States Agency for International Development], the community organizations supported by African Grandmothers are unable to fight AIDS as effectively and the epidemic is getting worse," said tour chair Tory Stevens.
Since April, 27 cyclists have trained on successively longer and more challenging rides, travelling up to 90 km on two successive days, in preparation for the 275-kilometre Campbell River ride Sept. 5-7. Throughout August, they and 68 others continue to ride shorter routes regionally.
“I’m inspired by our mantra, ‘We will not rest until they can rest.’ It’s time I challenged myself in keeping with the challenges the grandmothers in Africa are facing. Even still, riding almost 100 kilometres a day for three consecutive days pales in comparison," said first-time rider Suzanne Moreau.
Ten-time rider Laurie Wilson and Bonnie Yarish travelled with the Stephen Lewis Foundation in May to South Africa and Eswatini, where they visited nine foundation partner groups led by grandmothers.
"Without exception, [the partner groups] are working extremely effectively. They’re holistic. They’re devoted. They are extremely responsive to the needs of their communities. And the people that they work with – mostly women, many grandmothers, some men, some young people – are grateful, joyous, determined, and empowered. It [is] truly affirming that we are raising money for people who are using it very wisely," said Wilson.
The event goes until Sept. 7, and the group hopes to raise $200,000. To donate, visit vg4a.ca.
