Projects Local

GIRLGUIDING UK
In line with the initiative by our Federation, SIGBI, CROYDON CLUB has met with the Girlguiding County Commissioner for Croydon to discuss how we might work together. These discussions are currently on-going.

LOUD AND PROUD – Annual girls’ public speaking competition
This competition was launched in October 2010 to involve young girls in public speaking, both to develop their confidence and to encourage research into challenging topical subjects. Ultimately, it is hoped that they will see public speaking and advocacy as a potential career and their research as a vehicle to develop civic responsibility and to bring about change. The 2011 competition will be aimed at Year 6 pupils (10-11 years).

WORLD FOOD DAY LUNCH
In 2009 we held the first of our annual World Food Day lunches to which we invite local women from business, the professions and from other voluntary/charitable organisations. The lunches are held in Chefs Restaurant at Croydon College, where the first-year students design, prepare and serve a ‘world food’ buffet. The purpose of this event is four-fold – to promote CROYDON CLUB and Soroptimist International, to fundraise for our annual charity, to showcase Chefs Restaurant and to get to know and exchange ideas with other organisations in Croydon.

SUPPORT FOR CROYDON’S YOUNG CARERS
Since 2002, an annual tea party has been arranged by CROYDON CLUB during February for a group of young carers. The party is attended by the Mayor of Croydon who presents each child with a gift. In 2011 we celebrate the 10th anniversary of this event. In 2007-8 the Croydon Young Carers Support Project was the focus of the Club’s fundraising and in November 2008 we presented them with a cheque for £2400. A further £1000 was donated in February 2009 for the purchase of four laptops for the Homework Club. In addition we give an annual Christmas donation and occasionally gifts, such as USB memory sticks for use by the Homework Club users.

VOLUNTEERS IN ACTION
As part of a Government initiative, local groups were encouraged to meet together to exchange ideas and, where possible, to work together on projects. The Croydon VIA group was established in 2002 with members from SI CROYDON, Rotary, Inner Wheel, Round Table, WI, and Townswomen. Since then the group has met regularly and has organised annual blood pressure checks for shoppers in the Whitgift Centre.

REMEMBRANCE DAY WREATH
A Soroptimist wreath is laid by the president of CROYDON CLUB at the annual Croydon Remembrance Day Service.

WORKING CHILDREN
In partnership with Croydon Education Authority, SI CROYDON undertook a survey of school-age children with part-time jobs. Around 400 young people participated in the survey and the resulting report “All work and no play?”, was published in 2001. Our results closely matched those achieved by the TUC in their nation-wide survey. As a result, Croydon’s report was featured on the BBC2 “Working Lunch” programme.
Copies of this report are still available at a cost of £3.50 (inclusive of p&p).

OTHER PROJECTS
Each year the CROYDON CLUB gives limited support to the following Croydon organisations: Welcare, Nightwatch, Women’s Refuge, Young Carers and the 60+ Club.

We also participate in local annual festivals, including the Addiscombe Carnival and Thornton Heath Festival.

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