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Gogo is the Zulu word for “grandmother” and tikun olam is Hebrew for “repair of the world.” We are the Tikun Olam Gogos. We’re a volunteer group of grandmothers and grand-others in Vancouver that was founded in May 2011 and is sponsored by the Sisterhood of Temple Sholom.

Our mission is to raise awareness, build solidarity, and mobilize support in Canada for grandmothers in sub-Saharan Africa who are raising their grandchildren due to the the HIV & AIDS pandemic.

We raise funds through our creations and send the money directly to the Stephen Lewis Foundation through the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign.

Tikun Olam Gogos is part of the Greater Vancouver Gogos, which includes more than 25 groups in Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, and the Sunshine Coast.

Contemporary African Voices is happy to announce our next book conversation on March 7th with Gothataone Moeng, a short story writer from Botswana. Her first collection, Call and Response, takes us into the lives of women, men and children in urban and rural settings. While concentrating on women, I was struck by the range of generations represented by her well-drawn characters, from a child of four to elders in communities. The stories are vibrant and thoroughly engaging.

The book is available at libraries, at Massy Books in Vancouver or your local independent bookstore. Read one and come listen to Gothataone Moeng (pronounced ho-TAH-tah-oh-nay MO-eng) or come hear this young writer and you’re sure to want to read the stories.

The recording is available for two weeks following the event.

Thanks again to everyone who came to see us, and purchased our products at the Fibre West 2024 event.

Our Most Popular Items

We are known for our signature tote bags, which are sturdy, sustainable, and beautiful. Our creations include large tote bags, zippered pouches, and small drawstring pouches. You can find a selection of the large tote bags and zippered pouches for sale on our Shop page. Join us at one of the craft fairs to see additional items not available online.

Large Totes

Zippered Pouches

Looking for something to share with young children in response to the Covid19 crisis?

The digital book, “A Teeny Tiny Virus”, was created by Jamileh Salek, an Iranian-Canadian visual artist and illustrator. The digital book is intended to help families and young children deal with the COVID 19 crisis. The book teaches children and families how they can remain positive, creative and helpful, and it reminds them of the value and beauty of their lives. It is meant for children 3 and older and for early readers.

The book sells for $8.99, but Jamileh has generously offered to donate 80% of sales revenues to the SLF Grandmothers Campaign.

View the trailer for Julieta’s story and sample illustrations.

Purchase a copy of the digital book.

We also sell a selection of all of our creations at local crafts fairs and events (check our Events page to see where we’ll be next), and by special appointment (if you are in the Greater Vancouver area), which can be requested through our Contact page. In addition, ‘Fancy This Gifts’ in Ladner carry our totes !