In 2010 following her work as a volunteer in Africa and inspired by the words of Mahatma Ghandhi, "Be the change you want to see in the world", Maria Macnamara MBE founded the charity Smalls for All which operates from a base in Scotland and collects underwear to give to adults and children in need in Africa and in the UK. A volunteer and representative of the charity spoke to club members about its work to send various pieces of underwear to those living in orphanages and refugee camps, as well as to schools, women's refuges and to hospital patients with medical conditions such as obstetric fistula. It sends to as many as 54 countries, making a huge difference to the lives of women and girls. The organisation also receives many requests for underwear from UK charities helping them to alleviate poverty in this country.

Saturday 21st May, a beautiful sunny morning, saw us gather again at the lovely Bonnymuir Garden for our plant and craft sale. http://www.bgct.co.uk Business was brisk for a few hours and popular purchases were Nasturtiums, Nicotianas and Night Scented Stock as well as herbs, tomatoes, peppers and chillies. The children were particularly interested in the Sunflowers. Greeting cards and other craft items also sold well. Visitors enjoyed coffee and home bakes in the sunshine of the garden and it was good to talk to them about the plants and Soroptimism. Proceeds from the event will be distributed to Grampian Women’s Aid, Marie Curie and Mental Health Aberdeen. http://www.grampian-womens-aid.com http://www.mariecurie.org.uk http://www.mha.uk.net

Solange with Joint President Janice and                      Margaret with Joint Presidents Janice Membership Officer Dorothy                                         and Louise    

Scottish Soroptimists were delighted that Rona Mackay MSP hosted a Soroptimist Centenary reception in the Scottish Parliament on 7th December. Due to continuing Covid restrictions in Scotland numbers were limited to 55 which included 32 soroptimists from Scottish Clubs. SI President Elect Maureen, SIGBI President Cathy and President Elect Ruth attended along with other invited guests from organisations that soroptimists in Scotland link in their work to support the UN Sustainable Development Goals. By viewing the exhibition and presentations the guests which included other MSPs, were impressed with the range of work that soroptimists in Scotland undertake. New contacts with MSPs and invited guests were made while launching the new Scotland, UN and SIGBI history banners.  

A centenary legacy tree was planted in the grounds of the former Soroptimist Housing Association development at Beechgrove Terrace in Aberdeen. The tree is Sorbus “Joseph Rock” a medium sized tree with fantastic yellow berries in the autumn along with amazing white flowers backed by green leaves which turn a deep red in autumn. The tree marks not only the centenary of Soroptimist International but also the transfer of the development to Osprey Housing Ltd. https://www.ospreyhousing.org.uk

We have been busy knitting and sewing to make panels for the Stitches for Survival project at COP26. https://stitchesforsurvival.earth We are contributing our crafted panels towards the 1.5 miles of climate messages, representing the 1.5 degree target in the Paris Agreement. The panels will be joined together making a huge scarf which will be displayed at COP26. Its aim is to urge world leaders to take bold and binding action to stop the devastating climate havoc and ecological breakdown across the world.   After COP26 the scarf will be repurposed into blankets for refugees and other communities who need them. Some of the more creative sections will be kept for an exhibition, and be used for ongoing campaigning. Soroptimist clubs all over Scotland are taking part in this important project and sending out a clear and strong message that we must protect our planet NOW.

Summer blown away                                                        Reluctant ducks

#DayofAction #SoroptimistsAtWork

A very successful morning was held on May 22nd to mark International Biodiversity Day. We sold plants and crafts and raised awareness of climate and sustainability issues and solutions. All of the plants were brought on by members and are good for a variety of insects species including pollinators. The sun shone for some of the time and the coffee available at the Bonny Café was excellent. Almost £600 was raised for our local charities. Thanks to everyone who came along and bought plants and crafts and also to Bonnymuir Green Community Trust for allowing us to share their lovely space for the morning. http://www.bgct.co.uk