Quinte West council has thrown its support behind the Grandmothers Advocacy Network (GRAN) and its 16 days of activism initiative.
Rosemary Embree, a local member of the group, attended Monday’s Quinte West council meeting virtually to ask for council’s support.
GRAN is a network dedicated to supporting the human rights of grandmothers, women and children in sub-Saharan Africa.
Embree explained the group’s 16 days of activism initiative and how to participate.
“The global initiative begins November 25 and continues to December 10 and has come to be known as the Orange Campaign. The bright and optimistic colour having been chosen to represent a future free of violence. The colour orange is a unifying theme in activities across Canada and all around the globe with buildings, monuments and landmarks that are lit up in orange to attract the initiative.”
“GRAN believes that everyone can play a role during the 16 days of activism. How are you saying that we can do this? Wear something orange, it’s such a beautiful, bright colour and a symbol of hope and resolve, and explain why to your friends when you’re wearing orange. Decorate your home, office, business or church in orange. If you drive by my house during that period you won’t see Christmas lights on the front, you’ll see orange lights all around the front of my house. Reach out on social media to let others know you are participating in the international movement. Donate to local organizations supporting victims of violence. Use your personal strength to create change. Don’t be a bystander, be an outstander.”
Embree made two requests on behalf of GRAN to Quinte West council.
First, she asked that they endorse the 16 days of activism.
Secondly she asked that they light up city hall with orange lights during the initiative to show their support.
Council not only agreed with that but took it a step further and directed council to see about lighting up the bridge in downtown Trenton with orange lights as well.
The matter was voted on and carried unanimously.
To learn more about GRAN and the Orange Campaign, click here.
