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

Club members have continued to drop off non perishable items for the Instant Neighbour foodbank throughout lockdown. Members also agreed to give a donation to allow the charity to buy the items most needed. Here are some of the items that were bought with our donation.

  Good luck for the year ahead ladies!

  #IWD2021 #ChooseToChallenge

  Snowy weather causing the disappearance of our Soroptimist logo! Hopefully the children sledging down the slope won’t damage the spring growth too much. Club members are already planning the summer display to celebrate the centennial of Soroptimist International.

The “Giving Jar”                                                            Pat handing over cheque to Grampian Women’s Aid

Soroptimists in Aberdeen have been raising awareness of the 16 Days of Activism against gender based violence. From 25th November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to 10th December, International Human Rights Day, women across the world take action and raise awareness. The colour orange symbolises a brighter future, free of violence.

                                                       In her recent talk to club members Dr Astrid Whyte, the Chief Executive of the charity Mental Health Aberdeen, gave club members an insight into the work of its highly trained counsellors and volunteers who provide support programmes for a wide range of clients including young people. She also gave advice on ways of identifying and dealing with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on our lives. The charity which has been established for seventy years and has a reach beyond Aberdeen city into the shire receives no government support and relies solely on grants and donations. A valuable local service SI Aberdeen are proud to have been supporting during this difficult year. http://www.mha.uk.net