Coming events

Please return soon for information on coming events.

 

Past Events

Thank you for your support!

 

Ride for Africa Launch, Thursday, Feb. 25, 2010

Mark Inglis, the only double amputee to reach the top of Mount Everest, helped us kick off the Ride for Africa project with an inspiring talk to a crowd at the Royal Alberta Museum.

The New Zealander, who lost his legs to frostbite suffered in a climbing expedition, is a motivational speaker, winemaker and researcher.

His "Stories from the Summit" recalled the life-altering experience of losing his legs, his ascent of the world's highest mountain and the lessons he learned along the way. Thank you, Mark.

For more information on Mark Inglis, go to www.markinglis.co.nz.

Lorne Akins school: 32-hour famine, April 16, 2009

On April 16, 2009, Lorne Akins Junior High School in St Albert, Alta., hosted its annual international fundraiser, the 32-Hour Famine. Students chose to raise money for Hands Across Africa for the fourth consecutive year, specifically wishing to have the money sent to the Mustard Seed Children's Home in Moyamba, Sierra Leone. Through the efforts of just over 100 students and the generosity of the community at large, the school raised $10,000 for the primary school, enabling the Mustard Seed to add solar panels to its newly built school and dormitory buildings.

The fundraiser has proven to be consistently successful, following the model of the 30-Hour Famine done by a major non-governmental organization. Students at Lorne Akins wanted to be free to raise funds for groups of their choice, however. The fundraising campaign involves an awareness-raising component, too. Students learn about Sierra Leone, and the Mustard Seed, in the weeks leading up to the event. Then, on the days of fasting, students go to school and stay overnight, playing in the gym, watching movies and having a massive game of hide and seek. In the morning, students awake to a feast of food donated by various local businesses. It is always a great event.

Faunts and pre/post benefit concert, May 28, 2009

Hands Across Africa hosted an exciting event on May 28, when two Edmonton bands performed at the Pawn Shop on Whyte Avenue. Faunts is a five-piece indie ensemble that plays electronic pop. Mat Halton, pre/post frontman, is a youth worker who has used his experience on the streets of Edmonton to craft his songs. Both bands generously agreed to perform to raise money for Hands Across Africa.

Charitable Art Auction, Oct. 27, 2007

Fundraising Concert, Sept. 29, 2007

Ampersand, a local band made up of three musicians -- Grant, Todd and Stew -- along with Timm, a stand-up comedian, hosted an evening of music and fun to raise money for Hands Across Africa. A total of $1,400 was raised by Ampersand, family and friends. It was a great success. Thank you, Ampersand!

Documentary Premiere: "Up Yours Kilimanjaro"

Previewed at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital on Feb. 7 and 9, 2007, the video chronicles the journey of 20 Hands Across Africa participants -- six of them Glenrose Hospital employees -- up Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. Nine of us reached the summit on this fundraising journey.

Glenrosapalooza II, March 16-17, 2007

The second Glenrosapalooza was held March 16 and 17. This fundraiser allows the hidden talents of our colleagues at the Glenrose to be highlighted on stage. This fun, morale-building event was a huge success in year 1. Hence, year 2.

Saidiana, June 24, 2006

A night of African Music, Silent Auction and West African Food. This concert featured Isokan Africa- Traditional West African Drumming Band and Dance Group as well as Radiovacana - a 10 Piece Afro-Cuban Jazz Band. The food was fantastic - West African Cuisine and several silent auction items.

Synergy Africa, April 22, 2006

An art show featuring local artists who donated pieces of their art for our silent auction. This event was held at the Red Strap Market and was a huge success.

 

Glenrose Talent Show Night, Feb. 10-11, 2006

The 1st Annual Glenrosapalooza was held on February 10 and 11, 2006 in the Dr. Bill Black Auditorium at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital. Over the course of two evenings, various Glenrose staff members showcased their many talents.
Our masters of ceremony were Mr. Jim Knox (Friday) and Dr. Elisea Mori-Torres (Saturday). They each did excellent jobs despite their nervous stomachs! Our gratitude to them for an outstanding job!


Each evening featured about three hours of excellent entertainment. Performances ranged from a classical soloist to a toe-tapping, knee-slapping blue grass band. Why there was even a juggler and stand-up comic! There were belly dancers, rock 'n' roll bands, African drums/dancing and more! And let's not forget the Palooza Players, a group of six Glenrose staffers who got together just for this gig. They were extraordinary considering they only got to practice together three times before the big event! Thank you to Don Simoneau, Dr. Lalith Satkunam, Paula Perro, Mark Ewanyshyn, Eldon Loh, and Geoff Camp.


Our sincere thanks to all the Glenrose physicians and staff, their family members and friends who performed on these two special evenings. As well, we are so grateful to the members of Isokan Afrika who, once again, gave an outstanding performance. Needless to say, we couldn't have done it without all of you!


We raised approximately $3000 over the two nights and received rave reviews from people who attended. We appreciate everyone's support of this special cause.
It was such a fun-filled couple of nights! We got to see another side of some of our co-workers who, by day, are dedicated health professionals. Now we know that many of us have other great talents and just need a venue to show them off. It's funny that now, as you pass one of these co-workers in the hall, you think "She's a great belly dancer" or "He's such a great guitarist". We are truly blessed to have so many talented people under one roof.


Many people have asked if we're going to do this again next year . . . . . well, stay tuned!

Christmas Raffle, Dec. 20, 2005

Thank you to everyone who bought tickets. We sold 1,851 tickets and raised just over $8,000.

Concert and Silent Auction, Sept. 17, 2005

Our first fundraising event was fantastic. We had so much support from friends and family and Glenrose Hospital staff. Thank-you to everyone who contributed to Hands Across Africa in our first fund-raising event. $13, 897.60 was raised.

Isokan Africa a local drum and dance group was featured at this event. African food was cooked by the Sierra Leone community in Edmonton - which was delicious.

This event would never have happened without the generous support from everyone who attended and from the following major sponsors:

 

 

 

 

 

©2009 Hands Across Africa