Gisèle Lalonde Mansfield

In February 2006, I decided to climb Mount Kilimanjaro for my 55^th birthday.

My journey quickly transmuted into a charity climb to help make a difference in the lives of those affected or infected by HIV and AIDS.

It all started with a dream of seeing Africa from its rooftop. First, there was the fear of traveling on my own for the first time. Then there’s the doubt that I wouldn’t make it to the top. Then came the other million reasons why I shouldn’t be doing this and finally I’m battling with the ‘here I go again’ feeling that comes when I have to cross off an item from my ‘bucket list’ without even having tried to do it.

Giving myself a good shake and a sound talking to, I went on a mission to find all the resources that I could to make this dream come true. My brother Michel, who died of AIDS in 1995, must have tapped me on the shoulder that day because I wished that he could join me for the climb. I dedicated this journey to his memory knowing that he would be helping me should I falter or waiver in my determination to reach the summit.

Then I heard about the plight of the African Grandmothers and how they were being deprived of the joys of grandmother hood that I had recently been blessed with. These women fight for survival every day and are the heroes of Africa; they are such wonderful role models for their grandchildren. I needed to share my wealth with them. I needed to have their story told and heard. I needed their strength and determination to inspire me. I needed your compassion and support to inspire me. I needed to tell them that they were not alone, and not to give up hope.

My first goal was to raise $1 per foot or $19,335.60, the height of Mount Kilimanjaro. I had 19 months to do it – I figured $1,000 per month. It was ambitious for sure but not impossible!
People listened and heard me. I reached and exceeded my first goal in less than three months from my official campaign kick-off on July 8, 2006.

Many inquired about joining me on my climb and five more women, mostly grandmothers, joined the team on the condition that they would also raise funds and awareness. By the time we reached the summit on October 12, 2007, we had raised $78,336.50 – over $4 per foot.

Trudy Stephen

Trudy has a soft spot in her heart for orphaned children or those suffering from maladies of any kind.  She had an opportunity to visit Haiti a few years ago and was invited to a typical Haitian orphanage.  Her eyes were opened to the poor, little souls bumbling along the best way they could, and these were the lucky ones.  The unlucky ones weren’t in an orphanage.  By helping the African grandmothers, it would be the orphans who would ultimately benefit, which in turn would ricochet in countless directions.

She’s an ordinary person, married almost 40 years, lived in the same house 39 1/2 years, two children – a son and daughter, two grandchildren – a grandson and a granddaughter, station wagon in the driveway, vegetable garden in the backyard.  She says people don’t have to be exceptional to help the African grandmothers. 

Liza Badham

Liza Badham’s life resembles the biblical story “A Coat of Many Colours”. She has worn many coats: Waitress, secretary, dance instructor, photographer, journalist, farmer, children’s farm operator, antiques dealer, real estate saleswoman, tearoom and B&B operator. Add to the list, mother of four daughters, grandmother of eight and great-grandmother of four.   These experiences, having enriched her life, she felt confident in going to Kenya several times to work with the elderly, destitute and often ill people. She of course, encountered many orphans being cared for by their elderly grandmothers. When she saw a story about Gisele Mansfield, who planned to climb Mount Kilimanjaro and that the climb would benefit the same grandmothers, she sent an e-mail saying, “I’m coming with you!” Africa is very dear to her heart.

Barb Carriere

Barbara knows that mothers and grandmothers are special women having spent the first seven years of her life living with her family and paternal grandmother in a small village in Croatia were she was born.  Barb’s mother and grandmas, through their examples of courage, stamina, and commitment, contributed greatly to the person she is today. Barb was inspired by the greater purpose of the climb and gladly took up the challenge.

Just as Barb’s mom and grandmas were there for her, she hopes that with her help the Africa grandmothers will be able to support and inspire their grandchildren.

Tina Cuerrier

Tina works for Carefor Health and Community Services as a Registered  Practical Nurse and understands first hand the devestating effects of HIV/AIDS. Tina can remember when the AIDS pandemic began years ago. She took a course at Algonquin called “Understanding AIDS” and remembers thinking “no one should have to live or die with this terrible virus and the stigma around it.”  Ever since she can remember Tina has wanted to travel to Africa, but wanted to go with a cause or purpose. This is it. She is not yet a grandmother but hopes to be one day.

Janet Carrière

Volunteerism and fundraising have always been an important part of her life.  She has canvassed door-to-door for several major charities including 25 years for the Canadian Cancer Society. She has sponsored several children through World Vision, and believes that everyone can do something to make the world a better place for all.
Her love of travel and compassion for underprivileged children lead her to join this group and help out in any way she could.