Nyanyas selling holiday treats to support African grandmothers

The Nyanyas of Niagara are teaming up with Sweets & Swirls Cafe at the Community Centre to sell holiday cookies, a fundraiser to help the Stephen Lewis Foundation’s grandmothers’ campaign.

The local Nyanyas (Swahili for grandmother) belong to one of more than 260 grandmothers and grandmothers’ groups that raise money for the campaign, launched by the Stephen Lewis Foundation in response to the crisis faced by African grandmothers as they struggled to raise millions of children orphaned by AIDS.

Since then, a growing number of grandmothers’ groups has raised funds to support the life-enhancing programs run by African grandmothers, and the community-based organizations that support them.

Today, African grandmothers continue to raise the next generation while two pandemics intersect, HIV and AIDS, and COVID-19.

Nyanya Linda Carleton says the fundraiser is similar to last year’s holiday cookie sale, but has made some changes to reduce the time and pressure on Erinn Lockard of Sweets & Swirls, who is making the cookies. To keep it simple, she is providing two Christmas varieties, shortbread and ginger cookies, in a nice bag, with 20 cookies for $20, which can be wonderful treats that make gifts for family members, friends, neighbours, or to just have on hand to serve guests, while also supporting a great cause.

This is the first fundraiser this year for the group, says Carleton, as the Nyanyas are taking some time to restructure and recruit new members. Terry Mactaggart, one of the founders who has been active in the group since its early days, is taking a step back, and several members have not returned since the pandemic.

Although the group is reorganizing, their goal to help grassroots projects in Africa through the Stephen Lewis Foundation hasn’t changed, says Carleton.

In addition to the cookie fundraiser, the Nyanyas are being assisted by Elise Gasbarrino and Style, her popup store on King Street, in December.

While the list of Nyanya members includes about 150 names, the group could use new active volunteers, says Carleton.

All orders must be placed through the Nyanyas by Friday, Dec. 9. There are two pickup dates: Thursday, Dec. 15, and Friday, Dec. 16, both days from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Sweets & Swirls in the community centre.

Email nyanyas2018@gmail to order, and to e-transfer payment, password ‘cookies’, or use cash, cheque or debit when picking them up.

The same email can be used for more information or to join the Nyanyas.