Cannock Soroptimists support Pathway and Staffordshire Women’s Aid throughout the year – helping and supporting women in need is at the core of their work. They are always pleased to provide Christmas gifts for the women victims of domestic abuse – and their families – using the refuges. These women will often have suffered years of abuse or violence and have left their homes with nothing, to be remembered at Christmas is really important.
This year Soroptimists asked each of the organisations what the women would like for Christmas; the answers were rather sobering as they asked for items which most people would regard as basic. Pathway women asked for socks, gloves and scarves whilst the women at SWA asked for food items, particularly Christmas foods. (All of the children will receive gifts this year from a charity KidsOut in conjunction with Rotary).
When Cannock & District Soroptimists heard this, their response was amazing! Members were more generous than ever – some donated items whilst others donated the funds to buy anything else needed. As well as the items requested each woman will receive a gift of toiletries and each of the women at SWA will receive a cook book ‘Tin Can Cook’. Some members then met to pack up the gifts which President Jackie Prince and club members Carole Holdcroft and Trish Mellor then delivered.
Staff at each organisation were absolutely delighted with the gifts and assured all Cannock Soroptimists that they will be truly appreciated by the women who receive them.
Once all items had been purchased there were funds left over and members voted unanimously to use that money to purchase items which are requested by women using food banks within the Cannock Chase district: sanitary items and toothpaste – again, such basic needs! These were delivered to Coniston Hall, the main centre for Cannock and District Food Bank where manager Vicky was absolutely delighted to receive the essential donations.
President Jackie and members of SI Cannock & District wish everyone a peaceful and healthy Christmas and New Year.
Photos attached: Members of SI Cannock & District with donated gifts; Soroptimists with packed gift bags; Vicky at the Food bank with Jackie Prince, President SI Cannock & District