A new chapter in women’s empowerment has begun in Wigan with the official chartering of Soroptimist International Swallows (SI Swallows), a dynamic new club dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls in the local community and beyond.
The official charter ceremony was attended by Ruth Healey, SIGBI President, The Mayor of Wigan, Cllr Debbie Parkinson, local businesses, dignitaries and representative from Soroptimist International Great Britain and Ireland (SIGBI), marking a significant milestone in the terms of efforts to champion women’s rights and opportunities.
With a focus on local and global projects, the club will work on initiatives addressing issues such as domestic abuse, gender quality, women’s health and education access. The first planned project involves a project close to the heart of our members – breast screening diagnosis and treatment from the Thomas Linacre Centre here in Wigan. We are planning this project in partnership with them.
Our first raffle at our Charter Ceremony raised a fantastic £326 for this cause.
We have exciting events planned – starting with a Spanish Meal at Wigan and Leigh College’s own Wheel Restaurant, a fun Race Night and a concert fundraising night by Lancashire’s own Houghton Weavers.
Thank you to Ruth Healey, our Chartering Officer for the event. Our thanks must go to local women and companies who have helped us with photos and donations. ATTAIN for photographs, FUBHUB for inspiration and advice , a group of professional women who sponsored us via their various companies including Mint Northwest Ltd , R Banks and Sons Ltd and Jacqueline Cannon Ltd. Thank you to Niamh Heaton for photographs on the night and last but not least, Matthew and students at Wigan and Leigh College for an excellent buffet and professional hospitality.