Gold Rush Grannies of the South Cariboo will be lacing up their hiking shoes on June 15 to walk in solidarity with African grandmothers who are caring for grandchildren orphaned by the AIDS epidemic.
The walk is part of a national campaign called Stride to Turn the Tide and it begins at 10 a.m. at Cariboo Mall and ends at Coach House Square.
A small group will extend the walk for a distance of approximately 10 kilometres. If the ground is dry enough, the second leg of the walk will take place in Exeter Valley, and if too wet, it will be held on the loop trail around 108 and Sepa Lakes.
"Grandmothers in Africa often have to walk great distances to access any basic services," says Grannies member Wendy Hamblin.
She notes approximately 10 members of the local group will participate, but anyone can join them.
Hamblin is also asking people to support the walk by pledging a walker, or putting a cash donation in collections jars located at Nuthatch Books, Diana's Deli and Sub Shop, and Purple Zebra.
For more information, contact Wendy Hamblin at 250-791-0024 or see the campaign website at www.grandmotherscampaign.org.