Programme Action: Women’s Refuge Donations

Immediate Past President Kathleen with some of club’s donations to the Women’s Refuge.

The President and members of Burnley Soroptimists have again been making up and delivering Comfort Packs containing essential items for the women and children who arrive in crisis at the local Refuge. 

The past four club presidents have encouraged members to carry on collecting suitable items to make up the packs so the club can continue providing the Refuge with a steady supply of much needed essential toiletries.  The club presidents aim to take a large number of the packs to the refuge in early December to ensure they have enough for what has often been one of their busiest periods.   The pressures of coping during the Christmas period can cause difficulties in relationships – some of which break down acrimoniously. 

The immediate past President Kathleen said “Although there are times when the Refuge needs more Comfort packs than others, the need is there throughout the year.   Women arrive at the Refuge without even the bare essentials of soap and a toothbrush so we make up packs for them adding a few luxuries when we have them.  We were particularly fortunate one year to have had tremendous support from Councillor Julie Cooper who donated many of the items in the packs.  She also gave us some kiddies tooth care sets which allowed us to make up some junior comfort packs for the first time.   Mrs Cooper and her husband owned a chemist shop but they have now sold it so if any of our other supporters can help us with soap, flannels, toothbrushes or any of toiletry items, we would be very grateful.  Please contact us via the website.”   

Domestic violence is often covert and, to maintain the safety of the victims, the East Lancashire Refuges can not have a high profile.  They carry out vital work in our community and deserve all the support we can give them.  Some much larger boroughs and districts do not have a refuge and club members of SI Burnley appreciate the valuable local resource we have available for abused women.