Ottawa Grands on the Hill September 8th, 2007

Good Morning Grandmothers and Friends

WHAT:The Grandparents Solidarity March -
Giving voice, visibility and support for HIV/AIDS in AfricaThe program on the Hill will include a presentation of the Toronto Statement to Elizabeth Mataka, the new UN Special Envoy on AIDS in Africa and to the Prime Minister of Canada (or his designate)

WHY:The March has three objectives: to demonstrate solidarity with African grandmothers who are caring for AIDS orphans; · to raise awareness of the pandemic in Africa and the dire situation of these courageous women; and · to advocate for government policies and actions that will effectively address the situation and fulfil Canada¹s international obligations.The March will serve as a demonstration of a collaborative ³national day of action² for grandmother groups across Canada. It is hoped that groups within travel distance will join the March in Ottawa. Groups in other cities across Canada are encouraged to stage an activity in their own community on the same day.

WHEN:Saturday, September 8, 2007. Assemble at City Hall at 1:00; 2:00 march to hill, program from 3:00 to 4:00 pm.

(NOTE: Grandparents Day is Sunday September 9 but the hill was booked so the date is now confirmed as Saturday September 8). Ottawa grannies will host/accommodate visiting grandmothers from Toronto and other regions in their homes on Friday September 7, Saturday September 8 and Sunday September 9 as required.

There will be a celebratory gathering of all grandmother group members whoare in town after the March (September 8) at 7:00pm.

WHERE:In Ottawa: Start of walk at City Hall on Elgin Street. End at steps of Parliament Building. Other cities and communities will organize their own activities.

WHO:The March is designed to be as inclusive as possible like-minded people. We want Grandmother groups, their children, grandchildren and friends; representatives of AIDS groups, Caribbean and African and Aboriginal communities, women and seniors¹ groups; other NGOs, interested public, high-profile citizens, media, politicians, embassyrepresentatives, drummers, musicians - everyone who wants to support Africangrandmothers.Special guests will include:* Special Envoy to the UN, Elizabeth Mataka (she has accepted)* 2 African grandmothers (the Stephen Lewis Foundation will bring them to Ottawa)* Stephen Harper or his designate (has been invited, reply not yet received)* Ilana Landsberg-Lewis, Executive Director, Stephen Lewis Foundation* The Governor General (has been invited but we do not yet have a reply)* It is anticipated that other high-profile Canadians will join us in the March.

HOW:The Ottawa/Gatineau area network (15 groups) is taking the lead onplanning the event. We will communicate across the country through the National Advocacy Steering Committee, the Listserv and the grandmothers web site (up and running in July)We will produce some basic materials for use in other communities: e.g., news release, backgrounder, ideas for organizing; however these events will be organized and ³owned² locally.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION1. Check the SLF web site for updates and materials as they become available. The new web site for grandmother groups will be ready in July.

2. Ottawa Planning Committee Contacts Accommodation for visiting grands:
Angela Cosgrove: mailto:school@rogers.; 613-592-2731 OR
Mia Overduin - 819-684-9720 mailto:Mia.Overduin@
Organizing an event in your city or community on the same day:
Sharon Swanson: sharons@superaje.com

Promotion, media enquiries: Valerie Swinton:mailto:vswinton@sympatico.; 613- 730-6442Program: Brenda Rooney: mailto:brenda@rooneyproduc

For travel check Via rail website - seniors can travel two for one on VIA https://univmail.cis.mcmaster.ca/Redirect/www.viarail.ca .