It’s said the spirit of African grandmothers transcends the Grannie Angels, lovingly made by Quesnel Gold Pan Grannies.
“These angels seem to come with a spirit,” GPG Denise Carlson said.
“As people consider which angel to purchase, it was as if one particular angel speaks to them and that’s the angel they feel compelled to take home.”
As part of the Grandmother to Grandmother campaign, led by the Stephen Lewis Foundation, the Gold Pan Grannies fundraise to help grandmothers in Africa who are raising their own grandchildren and often many other children who have lost parents to the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
The angels, which are colourfully dressed small dolls with babe in arms, are symbolic of the plight of grandmothers in Africa.
“These grandmothers are like angels to these children and grandchildren,” GPG Olive Walsh added.
GPGs first heard of Grannie angels from the Camrose, Alberta Grateful Grannies, however they got the pattern and created their own angels from the Glacier Grannies in Comox, B.C.
“Last year we made 55 angels and sold them all,” Walsh said.
“This year we hope to double, if not triple that number.”
As of last Wednesday, they were approaching 130 angels and a goal of 200 by the Farmers’ Christmas Market Nov. 24. During their Kazuri jewelry sale, Carlson set up with 60 angels and sold out quickly.
“They were pretty popular,” she said with a smile.
The angels reflect the African grandmothers they represent with colourful dresses and jewelry and raffia wings. A special thank you to the Quilters Guild, friends, family and generous strangers for fabric donations.
With ribbon hangers, these angels would be the perfect addition to any Christmas tree or a delightful decoration on a Christmas gift.
GPGs are selling the angels at the United Church Women’s sale and lunch this Saturday, Nov. 3, 11:30 a.m. -– 1:30 p.m. and again at the Farmers’ Market Nov. 24.
Each one is individually crafted by Gold Pan Grannies and have the potential to be very collectable.
“One days these will be items coveted by collectors,” Walsh said.
To purchase an angel, which are $10 each (if you can’t make it to one of the public sales) call Walsh, 250-747-3547.
Again this year, GPG are selling shortbread, however, only through orders, with deliveries in mid-December.
To order shortbread, also call Walsh. In fact, if you’d like to join these active grannies speak to Olive Walsh.