This book is a riveting story of 6 wonderful grandmothers who conquered their fears to help African grandmothers raising grandchildren orphaned by AIDS.  I could not put down this amazing story until I had finished reading it from cover to cover and viewing the magnificent photos that captured their journey.  I laughed, cried and envied these daunting women who gave so much of themselves to help others.  Their story is so inspiring and deserves to be shared with everyone.  Joan O’Neill Former City of Ottawa Councillor for Gloucester-Southgate Ward (1984-1996)

I got a call bright and early on March 12th from Grete Hale, an amazing lady (google her to see how amazing) whom I’d just met two days earlier at an event to celebrate International Women’s Day. I was surprised to hear from her but quite floored when she told me that she was calling to thank me for writing this wonderful story. In her words, “a story that needed to be told.” You see she had the book at the event on the 10th and had read it the previous day but finished to late in the evening to call me, hence the early morning call. She was so excited that she had to call me “right away.”

If you missed the book signing this past Saturday at Bushtukah, it’s well worth a visit to Bushtukah to buy the book, “Kilimanjaro – A Purposeful Journey.” My husband and I came back from Kilimanjaro two weeks ago. We did the same route with Tusker Trail, the same tour company  the Kilimanjaro grannies went with. We bought their book before we left for our climb and are we ever glad we did! The photos are terrific, and reading their adventures certainly gave us a lot of insight as to what we could expect on our trip. Proceeds from the sale of their book help support the Stephen Lewis Foundation’s Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign and the Snowy Owl AIDS Foundation.

Thank you to the Kilimanjaro grannies – your book was an inspiration for us every step of the way.  Judy Field, Mt. Kilimanjaro climber

I finished your book this p.m.   I started at 5:00 this am , I couldn’t sleep  ( I dreamt all night ) so got up and read for an hr. and went back to bed .  Did my stuff went for a long walk and all I could think of was how I wished I could have been with you guys…I was there ever step of the way. Got back and finished the book. What an experience you all went through together. I remembered one p.m. sitting in Nairobi  (1983 at a sunset) and being so fortunate to even see the top of Mt.Kili  ……it was not something you saw to often from there,  the top was always in the clouds.  I wondered what it would be like to be at the top. All of you gals (very young grandma’s by the way) helped put that into perspective………..to some point.

You all made such a difference for the African grandmothers and should be very proud of your journey and It will continue…
I loved the book and wish you all the best of luck with the sales of the book and if I can help out in any way ………please do not hesitate to call on me.  Gwen Webster, Volunteer and Supporter

Congratulations to all of you women climbers – you are an inspiration!!!  Patti Koeslag, Supporter and Founding member of Grands and Friends

I was thrilled to see the turnout last night.  Clearly your cause has appeal for many, many people. I did look over the book and was quite impressed with it. Congratulations on what you’re doing for all those people in Africa who aren’t as lucky as we here in Canada are.  You’re an inspiration! Dr. Robert Birnbaum, Broadview Travel Medicine Clinic

Gisele, it’s wonderful to hear of the success you’ve had with the book launch – congratulations!  What you and your friends have accomplished is truly remarkable.  The journey continues ….. Jennifer Hunter, Supporter

“Hello Kilimanjaro Grandmothers!  Congratulations and thank you for organizing such a lovely book launch last night.  I was honoured to be there, and so moved to hear you read your stories out loud and in your own words.  The book is truly another incredible feat!  So many beautiful photos, thoughtful details, and inspiring stories.  Your firm and deep commitment to each other and to African grandmothers was a strong and binding thread throughout.  I was so excited to bring the book back to the office and show it to everyone.  You may know that a few women in the audience expressed interest to me about starting their own grandmother group (I met them in the line to get your autographs!) so your courage has inspired others to do even more.  We can’t thank you enough for all that you do.  The grandmothers in Africa will certainly benefit from the success of your book, as you continue to inspire and mobilize us here at home.” Susan Mazza, Community Campaigns Liaison for the Stephen Lewis Foundation and guest speaker at the Book Launch.

“Thanks for being an inspiration to me and my daughter (what an eye opener for her….while it may sound like a negative comment her statement that ‘her grandmothers would never do something like this’ highlights that she got it—women can do way more than she thought).” Rossana DiMito, Volunteer and Supporter

“Our hearfelt congratulations on your book launch. We are so impressed with your efforts all along the way to complete this journey physically ,mentally  and spiritually.  What a lovely gift to the world.”  Sincerely,  Noreen from the Heron Seniors Centre

“What a great photo. Terrific undertaking. Way to go!”  Kris Riendeau – The Humm