Tina Filippino saw first hand not only the devastation caused by the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa, she also witnessed the positive influence organizations like the Stephen Lewis Foundation (SLF) is having on the grassroots organizations working in the epicentre of the devastation in communities across Africa.
Tens of millions of children in Africa have been orphaned due to HIV/AIDS. The Stephen Lewis Foundation supports community based organizations that provide food, school uniforms and fees, plus HIV testing and counselling. It helps to build homes and ensure that girls have an equal chance to attend school as well as learn how to protect themselves from the virus. It is inequality of the sexes that allows the pandemic to flourish. This is the generation that will lead Africa back to health and wholeness.
As a member of the Glacier Grannies, Filippino was accepted on a recent tour with the SLF in Africa to see for herself the good work being done and the distance still needed to travel.
Filippino is bringing her recollections, photographs and impressions of that trip to Quesnel June 15 for an evening of awareness and entertainment.
This Glacier Grannie has other talents she will put in motion in Quesnel. As the leader of Letz Sing, Filippino brings the joy of singing to each and every member of the audience. Her mantra is there’s a place for every voice in singing. Unlike a traditional choir, Letz Sing draws on songs from cultures around the world reflecting a diversity of origins and inspirations.
Quesnel’s Gold Pan Grannies are excited to host this unique event and invites everyone in the community to listen and sing with Filippino.
Slated for Fathers Day, Filippino’s Evening of Awareness and Entertainment is a perfect way to spend the remainder of the day with dad.
“If you like to sing, this is an event for you,” Joan McNaughton, president of the Gold Pan Grannies said.
“It’s also a chance to learn of the important work of the SLF and how women in Canada are supporting grandmothers, the children in their care and other women in Africa.”
Admission on June 15 at St. John’s Anglican Church Hall is by donation at the door with all proceeds to the SLF.
Doors open at 6 p.m., presentation on SLF projects in Africa at 6:30 p.m., refreshment break at 7:15 p.m. and community sing event 7:45 p.m.