Angel-making Groups Outside Victoria

There are hard-working and enthusiastic groups of angel makers in a variety of locations. They make a major contribution to the funds we send to southern Africa each year. This blog entry brings news from some of the groups. [If you click on photos, they will enlarge.]

Roberts Creek, BC

Roberts Creek is on the Sunshine Coast near Sechelt. Miki works with a group there, and coordinates with friends making angels in Vancouver. Many of their angels are sewn rather than glued, and they ask for $12 donations for those. Sometimes they add a folded red ribbon as an AIDS reminder. They also supply angels to the Seymour Art Gallery in Vancouver.

"We had an "inspiration" workshop with the Roberts Creek group and the Vancouver people recently. We shared ideas, new patterns, lots of encouragement and 240 angel forms to dress up and sell....and a delicious potluck lunch.

Some makers from Vancouver will be working on more cone form angels but we will continue with our angels here. I really appreciate the pictures on the website....really very attractive and we've picked up on ideas.

Someone didn't like our original stands so my husband constructed stair shelves which I covered with pale fabric. The loops on top of the angels' heads are hooked onto individual hooks to stabilize them on the narrow shelves. Each of the 35 angels are clearly displayed and we can see at a glance where we have to 'refill.' (This picture is in the Angels Gallery referred to above.)

Leona (Vancouver) has a supply of angels magnets which we give to people who are very generous or buy several angels. The magnets are business-card size with the logo of African Aids Angels, which she ran off on the copy machine and cut out and glued onto the magnets. We also have them on a magnetic stand and people can put any amount of donation in a container in exchange for a magnet."

Parksville/Qualicum Kairos

A small group in Parksville/Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island is coordinated by Julianna. Kairos is an ecumenical church movement promoting social justice. They sent some photos of a recent sale and one of their work parties. The total of funds raised by this group is truly outstanding.

If you click on a photo, it will enlarge.




Venice California

Sandra first saw AIDS Angels in Victoria and took the idea back to Venice California. The group's angels are available in a local shop. Recently Sandra sent this photo and explanation.

"These are students enrolled in an introductory class for occupational therapy at Santa Monica College. The instructor, my friend and colleague, had the students make angels to learn about activity analysis and therapy. The students loved the project, made some great angels for us, and some decided to donate money to the project as well.
We're busy creating stock for the holiday sales. Everyone loves the angels."

Short Notes from Elsewhere

Lenore in Chemainus says that the angels continue to go very well and they can barely keep up.

Doreen in Duncan has taken responsibility for keeping Wishes supplied. It's an New Age store and the angels have been flying out the door.

Carol in Campbell River says her daughter is at university in Squamish this year with a box of angel-making supplies. She and a friend made them in high school last year and will continue. Carol adds "They're both very 'crafty' so I know their angels will be beautifully made.

At the weekend I went to hear Romeo Dallaire speak in Courtenay. He spoke of the absolute importance of Non-Government Aid Agencies in troubled areas and it certainly made me think of the African AIDS Angels project and the difference we are making in the world."

Congratulations and Happy New Year to all of the angel-making groups and individuals.