WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO KGC AND HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A MEMBER?

My name is Cathie Carter and I feel honoured to be chosen as a Featured Member for the Kingston Grandmother Connection.
I worked for many years as an instructor and student advisor in the English as a Second Language Program at Queen’s University. I thoroughly enjoyed the work that this job entailed, especially getting to know students from all parts of the world. Following my retirement, I became involved with KGC since the original meeting back in 2006. I had two grandchildren at that time and was very aware of the disparity between all that our family had and what was missing for so many children in the world. In light of this glaring disparity, I felt a need to help through my involvement with KGC.

WHAT ARE THE VARIOUS WAYS YOU HAVE BEEN AND CONTINUE TO BE INVOLVED IN OUR ORGANIZATION?

I have been a willing volunteer for many different roles with KGC. For the first 10 years, I was an active member of the Education Committee - making presentations to service clubs and church organizations in order to raise awareness of KGC and the dire situation of orphans and grandmothers in Sub-Saharan Africa. I have also chaired tables at the Market for Africa and, more recently, been part of the group at the My Favourite Things table. I continue to support the work of KGC by means of a monthly financial commitment to Help Lesotho.

WHAT ARE YOUR REASONS FOR CONTINUING TO SUPPORT KGC AS AN ACTIVE MEMBER?

Once I commit to something, I don’t quit. And even though we’ve made progress, the need is still there.

SHARE WITH US SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR OTHER INTERESTS AND EXPERIENCES…MAYBE SOMETHING ABOUT YOU BEING A GRANDMOTHER YOURSELF.

I had the good fortune about 8 years ago to visit Sub-Saharan Africa - a very rewarding and educational experience. Reading about something is good but viewing it yourself, provides a whole new perspective on things. A few years ago, I was involved with the relocation of a family of Afghan refugees to the Kingston area. I have also been an active member of the Chalmers Church Outreach program and assisted with its outreach to the Kingston Community. I am now blessed with four grandchildren and am even more keenly aware of the importance of the work done by the KGC.