When Cheryl Halsted first learned how AIDS was affecting grandmothers in African countries, she was both shocked and deeply moved. A grandmother of three herself, she felt an immediate connection to women who were raising grandchildren after losing their own children to the disease.
That empathy inspired her to volunteer with the South Okanagan chapter of Grandmothers for Africa, dedicating her time to support these remarkable women from afar.
Her commitment eventually earned her a life-changing opportunity: she was chosen as one of just 16 Canadian grandmothers to travel to South Africa and Eswatini through the Grandmothers to Grandmothers campaign. The journey offered her firsthand insight into the resilience and challenges of African grandmothers, further fueling her dedication to the cause.
On Tuesday, Halsted will bring her stories and experiences to the community during a presentation as part of the Brown Bag Lecture Series. The series offers an engaging way to spend your lunch hour, exploring topics of heritage and culture. The talk runs from noon to 1 p.m. in the auditorium at 785 Main Street. Admission by donation.