Hands and Hearts for Africa

Our Ecofest, Fun and Thought-Provoking

On Nov 23/24 Hands and Hearts for Africa hosted their largest event ever at RHUC. The focus was on climate issues related to food, green space, and fast fashion and how we can make better life choices for the health of our planet.

Our display tables provided information about each issue and then suggested ways we can each ensure a more positive impact on the environment.  

We were pleased to see the amount of conversations at tables as well as the laughter shared when playing the What goes Where game or the Tree and flower Identity quiz.  We are hoping that each visitor took away one or two ideas to make better choices in their daily lives to benefit the planet.

As well, the Ecofest was an opportunity to shine a light on the work of the Stephen Lewis Foundation and its 20 year support of African families impacted by AIDS. 

In the Garden Room, there was a very special display highlighting two quilts created by Canadian grandmothers and African Partners celebrating the 20th anniversary

Of the Foundation. 

Linda Lindberg and her quilting team did a fabulous job setting up the display for many to admire. You may not know that Linda contributed several quilted leaves to the tree and a ' river of life' square in the main quilt.

On Sunday we were honoured to have two staff members from the Foundation, Alanna and Thushika.

Alanna as spokesperson shared the story about the quilts and then one story about how SLF has helped grandmothers in Africa with climate issues as well as health care.

Alanna stressed the important connection between food security and better health for AIDS patients. When climate issues like extreme heat, drought or flooding threatens food supply, then the health of AIDS patients is at greater risk.

One exciting outcome of the Ecofest is an invitation to take our Fashion Table Displays to a larger Ecoevent next year on September 20th in Elgin Barrow Arena.

We would like to thank all those who attended the Ecofest as well as all our wonderful team of helpers who gave their time and talent to create this special event.

Peg and Donn