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Share Ideas

There are many very generous, resourceful, creative individuals and organizations in Canada. This section of our site presents the ideas and experiences of people who share them with our Foundation, written in their own words.

Below is a brief description of the stories shared with the Foundation. Click on the link to the left of the description for the full story. These wonderful stories are grouped as follows:

Business In Action

Children Take Action

  • Graham Jones in Lethbridge, AB writes...
    An incredible eight-year old mobilizes his school and community to raise support for orphaned children in Malawi - watch Graham's amazing PowerPoint presentation here!
  • Stephen Lewis Secondary School, Vaughan, Ontario writes ...
    The students of Stephen Lewis Secondary School in Vaughan, ON raised $12,000 for the Stephen Lewis Foundation during their fundraiser "12 hours for 12 K".
  • Hannah Bender writes
    “Instead of a loot bag filled with candy and toys, We’re going to help poor girls and boys, in Africa, it’s a sad situation, So We’re donating the money to the Stephen Lewis Foundation”
  • Rebecca Lester writes...
    I just celebrated my Bat Mitzvah on February 12, 2005, and I decided to donate the money I received in gifts to the Stephen Lewis Foundation. I talked about what I saw in Africa to my guests – both the beauty of Africa and the problems.
  • Johanna van Veen writes...
    We had a fundraiser for the Stephen Lewis Foundation, which included a garage sale, a car wash and a juice stand.
  • Jane Philpott writes...
    A "Coin For Every Country". A creative, educational and entertaining fund-raiser yields amazing results...thousands of dollars raised in York Region Public
  • Matthew Green writes...
    An inspired eleven year-old saves money to donate to the Foundation and others follow his example!
  • Carol Lewis writes...
    The Grade 8 class of London Waldorf School holds a Mexican dinner raising $500 and with help subsequently raises other donations for a total of $1300!
  • Kirin Tsang writes...
    A young man in Grade 5 donates all his savings to help kids affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa...
  • Maya Stibbards-Lyle writes...
    A junior kindergarten student asks friends and family for donations to the Stephen Lewis Foundation in celebration of her birthday.
  • Melanie M. writes...
    At Bowmore Public School selling soup raises money for the Foundation.
  • Gabrielle (age 7) writes...
    How children at Hawthorne II Bilingual Alternative Public School raised $600 selling cookies.
  • Mrs. Jackon's class writes...
    A class at Courtenay Middle School talks about plans to raise money through a fun fair.

Community Initiatives

  • Ann Craig Howarth of Burlington, ON writes....
    The "Blooms for Africa" garden tour in Burlington/West Hamilton galvanized broad community support for Grandmothers in Africa
  • Steve Katchur of Victoria, BC writes...
    Steve dyed his beard red in exchange for donations to SLF!
  • OACUHO writes...
    A member of the Ontario Association of College and University Housing Officers offers a challenge to raise funds to help support HIV/AIDS relief in Africa.
  • Louise Hardy of the Yukon writes...
    On December 9th 2005, a dark winter night in the Yukon, cooks, artists, musicians, friends and strangers gathered in Louise Hardy's kitchen for dinner
  • Julie Wilson of Beaconsfield, Quebec, writes...
    I watched an episode of "The Nature of Things " which dealt with Stephen Lewis and the work he was doing in Africa. During the show, I cried. I felt that something had to be done...
  • Dr. Jane Philpott writes...
    Give A Day to World AIDS: A challenge doctors to donate their entire billings for one day, on World AIDS Day, to the Foundation!
  • Fundraising How-To Manual:
    The York Region Committee in Support of the Stephen Lewis Foundation has created a 'How-To'Manual for fundraising: http://www.york4stephenlewis.ca/book.htm
  • Patricia Sam writes...
    A story about organizing a walkathon to benefit the orphans of HIV/AIDS in Africa.
  • Toronto Star reporter Jennifer Wells writes...
    A great teacher deserves the best, so give a toonie! Jennifer's article makes a humourously good case for her idea to mark the passing of another school year. Perhaps it will start a trend!
  • York Region Committee writes...
    "If I Had A Million Dollars": Spearheaded by a few energetic and committed volunteers in early 2003, the York Region Committee in support of the Stephen Lewis Foundation, has grown into a broad grassroots community initiative.
  • AIDSWalk London, 'Sole to Soul Campaign' ...
    2003 marked the 14th year that Londoners walked together in the fight against AIDS -- but something different happened that surpassed all of their goals and expectations. The tradition continued in 2004.
  • People Reach Out writes...
    When a crisis situation occurs in a remote part of the world, how can a community reach out and offer compassion and support? People Reach Out in Owen Sound share their great ideas...

Creative Crafters

  • Chris Elms writes...
    I hosted an accessories party, opened my house for an afternoon & my guests did the rest! Between sales & donations I was able to send a decent donation, in spite of an unseasonal April snowfall.
  • Evelyn Hebb writes on behalf of Margaret Mackinnon...
    Mrs MacKinnon makes braided coat hangers. I sell them through a craft outlet for her. After reading your article and getting Mrs Mackinnon’s permission I’ll send the profits to your foundation. We think it’s a great cause.
  • Barbara Fear, Alice DeLa Plante and Gesina Laird-Buchanan write ...
    Because we can no longer stand by and take no action, two friends – Alice DeLa Plante and Gesina Laird-Buchanan – and I wish to begin a women’s movement: HELPING HANDS – Women, for Women in Africa.
  • Pamela Meacher writes ...
    It is my hope that Ceilidh and the funds raised through her sales will go throughout the world spreading a message of hope for the children of Africa who have or have been orphaned by AIDS/HIV.
  • Mary Billy knits one, perls two...
    How an inspired knitter in Squamish, British Columbia is making a big difference one dishcloth at a time!
  • Linda Abbott writes...
    Proceeds from a basement clay works for families to make holiday decorations -- along with money collected at a craft sale -- make their way from Kingston, Ontario to the Umoyo Training Centre for Girls in Lusaka, Zambia.

Enterprising Artists & Musicians

  • Peter Gillespie writes...
    It so happens I am able to take advantage of being an emerging artist, new in the art market. I decided to donate every penny from the sale of paintings to the Foundation.The response was amazing, with eighteen paintings sold in two days.
  • "Ladies of the Street" Celebrate African Grandmothers
    A Winnipeg neighbourhood singing group held a benefit soiree for HIV/AIDS
  • Nancy Lim & Diane Hua write...
    Picking up speed with the XVI International AIDS Conference in Toronto, an AIDS Benefit Concert featuring six independent musicians generate compassion, awareness and support.
  • Lily May writes...
    The Foundation will receive 10 percent from the sale of 'Mirrors of the Heart', an inspirational deck of favourable cards -- ones that offer hope. Each card consists of a word and image from a linocut print that Lily created.
  • Paul Fralick writes...
    A Valentine's Day concert by TURKEY Rhubarb benefits both the Stephen Lewis Foundation and Human Rights Watch...
  • Andrea Pottyondy writes...
    A water colour artist is moved by the horrors of HIV/AIDS in Africa...
  • Andrew Morrison writes...
    From way up north in Iqaluit, Nunavut, two members of different rock bands put their heads and instruments together. They staged a successful concert for AIDS relief in Africa and donated proceeds to the Stephen Lewis Foundation.

Extreme Sports

  • Gigi Climbs Kili for Family
    Read about why Gisele Mansfield is climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in October for the benefit of the Foundation's Grandmothers Campaign.
  • Introducing the Tri-Adventure…
    On August 19, 2005, a team of 30 courageous volunteers took on a new 3-day, 3-event adventure to support those impacted by HIV and AIDS in Africa.
  • JJ Hilsinger writes...
    You Bet I Can! On January 15, 2005 he embarked on the BICYCLE TRIP of a lifetime...11,500 kms over 120 days through Africa starting in Cairo and ending in Cape Town.
  • Jordan Axani's right of passage
    Jordan's dream to cycle across Canada came true!! 'Cycling for Hope' hit the road on June 26th, 2004 in Vancouver and ended successfully on August 29th in Charlottetown, PEI.
  • Emily Arvay writes...
    Two wild guys in Kingston, Ontario set the Guiness World Record for the longest bartending shift in history and raise $8,000 for the Stephen Lewis Foundation.
  • Susan Penstone writes...
    Two sisters from Alberta go on a so called holiday on Vancouver Island -- burning their boots in the 'Great Walk' to benefit of the Stephen Lewis Foundation.
  • Swim the Strait...
    Kristin Roe will be swimming across the Northumberland Strait to raise funds and awareness in support of those impacted by HIV and AIDS in Africa.

Faith-based Community In Action

  • Munn's United Church in Oakville, ON writes...
    A Valentine's Day High Tea with homemade scones, strawberry jam, and clotted cream make for a cozy afternoon get-together to raise funds and awareness for AIDS in Africa
  • St. David's United Church writes...
    St. David's United Church in Calgary developed an extensive study program on HIV/AIDS in Africa.
  • Nadine Hendricken writes...
    Bread & Broth: A Sunday school teacher hosts a lunch event with her senior students to learn about the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa -- especially its impact on children.
  • Reverend Robin writes...
    Reverend Robin Wardlaw and Fr. Phil Poole host an authentic African meal and give a joint mult-media presentation of their unique experiences in Africa. The event concludes with a challenge to their communities to raise money...
  • News from Jan Buley in Nova Scotia...
    A Lenten drama performance raises at St. George's Round Church in Halifax, Nova Scotia raises $1068.50 -- an astonishing effort from an Anglican Church that has well over 25 individual outreach projects within its congregation!!

Giving Gardeners

  • Valerie Ish & Norman Olsen from B.C. write....
    Although dark rain clouds threatened, nothing could dampen the enthusiasm and success of the second annual "Art in the Garden" fundraiser
  • Alison Hall writes...
    Perennial Sale for African AIDS Relief: The musings of an inspired, compassionate gardener in Dorval, Quebec grows into a creative and enterprising neigbourhood event! Raised $1060 in 2004!
  • Sondra Marshall writes...
    Seeds of Hope - Seeds for Life: Sondra's daughter, a student at UBC raises $700 for the Foundation by growing and selling vegetables, holding a yard sale and more!

Giving Grannies

  • Good Words for Africa Scrabble Benefit
    In the Fall of 2007, the Grandmothers of Alberta for a New Generation (The GANG) organized a Scrabble Tournament involving 200 participants called Good Words for Africa.
  • Elaine Orgill from the Grandmothers Together Peterborough writes...
    In mid October we held our first annual “Artists for Action” fundraiser for the Grandmothers Campaign
  • A-Coin-A-Day
    What can each of us do to help ease the pain of HIV/AIDS in Africa? Contribute A-Coin-A-Day!
  • Wendy Miller of the One World Grannies writes...
    Valentine Pledge Campaign -- Straight from the Heart
  • Sock It Away
    Grandmother and Stephen Lewis Foundation supporter Shirley Chewick launches the Original Sock Bank Campaign.
  • The Chair Affair
    The Can Go Grannies of Kamloops, B.C. held another wildly successful fund raising event thanks to local artists, businesses and a talented auctioneer.
  • The Jewellery Market.
    Iranee Zarb from "Grannies & Wannabes" writes about their first, highly successful fundraising event for the benefit of African Grandmothers
  • Here Come Those Grannies!
    Ann Wardrop tells how Grannies for Mbuyas' Garage Sale was was more successful, and more tiring, than anyone could have thought.
  • 'Naked Ladies' were stars of Grans to Grans Garden Festival
    Nelson, BC's Grans to Grans held their first major fundraising event on May 13th. The Garden Festival proved highly successful, and the 'Naked Ladies' are still being asked for! Irene McIlwaine writes.
  • Garage Sale Musings - oomama Grandmothers' Group
    On May 27th, the first fundraising initiative of oomama was held in Oakville – a giant garage sale! After a rainy month, the sun shone on our efforts and we’ve been rewarded, so far, with proceeds of $22,000 including donations and sales.
  • Loretta McDonald writes from Toronto...
    Being on pension means limited resources but not ideas. I love making things and often this is how I spend time with my grandchildren. It occurred to me that this could be my way to do my bit.

Informal Gatherings

  • The BTB Women write...
    A simple food and friendship event organized by the women of the Beyond The Button cooking club in Vancouver yields great results!
  • Anne & Kevin Major write...
    A holiday get together in St. John's, Newfoundland takes on a new direction...
  • Barbara Bloulin and Margie MacDonald write...
    How two people in Halifax raised $1,500 for the Stephen Lewis Foundation, with a minimum of muss and fuss ... and it was fun, too!
  • Katharine Edmonds and Pat Watson write...
    How two newly retired school teachers celebrated the longest day of the year by hosting a fund-raising party. They collected $1,375 for the Stephen Lewis Foundation.
  • Esmeralda Cabral writes...
    An inspired family in Vancouver, BC, opens their hearts and home to host a porridge breakfast on a bright and sunny December day. They were thankful for the day and humbled by the generosity of their friends.

Instead of Gifts

  • Pennie Casey & Esme Comfort write...
    Two friends who share a February birthday decided to host a "Ladies in Red" celebration.
  • Lou Dubois writes...
    The principal of Begbie Elementary School retires and asks for donations be made to the Stephen Lewis Foundation instead of giving gifts....
  • Sue Dempsey writes...
    Asking friends to pass on buying "Nifty Nifty Look Who Is 50" gifts, my wish was granted and I received much more ...

Planned Giving

  • Lisa Poultney writes...
    Personal experience with others suffering from HIV/AIDS motivated Lisa to make a difference with a planned gift...

Post-secondary Students In Action

  • Carleton Aids Awareness Society ...
    Carleton AIDS Awareness Society; University students unite to fight HIV/AIDS
  • Ilan Schwartz writes ...
    A university student's volunteer experience develops into the "Little Travellers HIV/AIDS Initiative" which provides ongoing support to women infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.
  • Augustana Against AIDS (AAA) writes...
    A committed group of students at the University of Alberta's Augustana Faculty joined together to form Augustana Against AIDS (AAA), to raise awareness and funds for HIV/AIDS in Africa, guided by their motto: "What we don't do won't get done."
  • Professor Martha Glenny writes...
    George Brown Toronto City College hosted a one day event on October 20, 2004 to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS in Africa in the college community.
  • Daniel Ludwin writes ...
    University of Toronto students get discounted Zen Shiatsu treatments to ease stress during midterms in November 2003. The proceeds are donated to ease the pain of HIV/AIDS in Africa ...
  • Professor Sabine von Boetticher writes...
    Healing Hands Across the Land: Massage students at Centennial College raise $2,387 for the Stephen Lewis Foundation.

Professionals In Action

Youth Take Action

Walking, Running, Biking and Hiking

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