Lakhwinder Thompson, Team President of Soroptimist International, Cannock and District welcomed members and guests to the Christmas Celebration at The Barns. A traditional Christmas meal was served and entertainment was provided by guitarist and singer Chris Austin. Everyone enjoyed either joining in with the singing or dancing to the music – or both!
Soroptimists work to give help to women all over the world. This year the club chose to continue their tradition of helping local women and their families at Christmas.
On the evening of the Christmas Celebration they took along items for Cannock & District Food Bank donating food in tins and packets which was then delivered to the Food Bank on Pye Green Road. Once collected, the food is sorted by volunteers who check it’s in date and pack it into boxes ready to be given to people in need.
Care professionals such as doctors, health visitors, social workers, Citizens Advice Bureau staff, welfare officers, the police and probation officers amongst others identify people in crisis and issue them with a food bank voucher. Food bank clients bring their voucher to a food bank centre where it can be exchanged for three days supply of emergency food. Volunteers meet clients over a cup of tea or free hot meal and are able to signpost people to agencies able to solve the longer-term problem.
Cannock Soroptimists will be making collections of food items at some of their meetings in 2013 in order to continue to support local families in need.
On the day after the Christmas Party several members, led by Soroptimist Carole Holdcroft, joined members of Mill Street Methodist Church at the Warming Welcome Soup Kitchen to cook and serve a hot Christmas meal for over 65 people – more than there have ever been before, so obviously the need is greater than in previous years. The soup kitchen operates on a weekly basis throughout the year, providing a hot meal for those who otherwise wouldn’t have one.
Also, as in previous years, club members have provided Christmas gifts for the women and children who will spend Christmas at Pathway, the refuge for women victims of domestic violence, in the hope of bringing them all some Christmas cheer.
President Lakhwinder and all club members extend Christmas greetings to all at Pathway, the Warming Welcome Soup Kitchen and the Cannock & District Food Bank.
Photo attached: SI Cannock & District Team President Lakhwinder Thompson with musician Chris Austin.