by MEGHAN HURLEY, OTTAWA CITIZEN

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U.S. President Barack Obama’s step-grandmother called on Ottawa residents Sunday to join her in helping orphans and poverty-stricken families in Kenya.

Sarah Onyango Obama, the third wife of the president’s grandfather, was praised for her charity work during a reception on Mother’s Day at Rideau Park United Church.

Through a translator, 94-year-old Obama briefly addressed a crowd of around 70 people about the work she does and how others can help.

The event hosted by The Hera Mission of Canada, an Ottawa organization that works to empower women and children in Kenya, was organized in 48 hours after members of the Kenyan community heard that Obama was making an appearance in Toronto.

The proceeds from Sunday’s event will go to Obama’s Safeguard Orphans and Widows Organization (SOWO).