I had not heard of this initiative until I had lunch with my cousin-in-law, Barbara Carriere, a few months ago. She told me about her dream of one day climbing Mount Kilimanjaro; and, how she’d found a group of Grandmothers who were going to do just that. Not only were they going to climb this great mountain, they would be doing it to help the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign. I have always wanted to go to Africa and so I was soon hooked on the idea. Shortly after, I met with Gisele (Gigi) and after a whirlwind of activity here I am.

I have always admired Stephen Lewis and his heroic efforts to bring the tragedy of the HIV/AIDS Epidemic in Africa to the attention of the United Nations’ member states. Finding his efforts had fallen largely on deaf ears, he decided to form the Stephen Lewis Foundation. Enter the Grandmothers...and things really took off.

People ask me why am I spending all that money to go to Africa, why don’t I just donate the cost of my trip to the cause. My answer to them is “I will travel regardless, and if I can raise awareness and funds at the same time for a very worthy cause by joining this particular group, I feel my trip will serve not only my undying desire to travel, but help the Grandmothers, and ultimately the children, who live on the continent I will have visited.’’ World Vision has provided me a window on the developing world through the many children I have sponsored over the years and I feel that this initiative is a natural evolution of my involvement.

Volunteerism and fund-raising for charity have always been an important part of my life. For 20 years, while working at the Geological Survey of Canada, I was involved with canvassing, organizing, and finally as an active member of the committee that ran the entire United Way Public Service Campaign. I have been a Zone Captain, Team Captain, and Canvasser for the Canadian Cancer Society for 23 years. I have also canvassed door-to-door for the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario, March of Dimes, the Kidney Foundation, the Ottawa Food Bank; and, served on the South keys/Greenboro Community Council for several years. Helping others is very rewarding, and I am pleased to be part of this new challenge.

During my 26 years at the Geological Survey I conducted numerous studies on mineral deposits. I retired in 1998 and started my second career in real estate. My husband and I are a team at Keller Williams Solid Rock Realty as well as in our 37 years of marriage. We have two sons, a daughter-in-law, and a grand dog! I also have a lovely daughter with whom I have recently been reunited.

My hobbies are mostly sports related included biking, skiing, swimming, canoeing, Curves, ballroom dancing, square dancing, and, of course, hiking and “mountain climbing”. I also enjoy world travel, and attending musical concerts and outdoor festivals ranging from classical opera to folk music.

        Janet Carriere
        June, 2007