Each year on Human Rights Day, December 10th, the Soroptimist International President launches her President’s Appeal, inviting Soroptimists worldwide to join efforts to support an initiative she feels is of the utmost importance to women and girls. International President Ann Garvie’s Appeal, “See Solar, Cook Solar” will raise money for projects that educate women about renewable energy, while empowering and enabling opportunities for them by providing solar lanterns and cookers.
It has become a tradition at SI Cannock & District for members to support this appeal by making donations in lieu of sending Christmas cards to other club members and this year was no exception. At the December meeting, when members were entertained b club member Shirley Brown and were visited by Father Christmas, a sum of £145 was donated and has been sent to the appeal which has continued from December 2013 as it is proving so successful and of such enormous benefit to women and girls: girls can now study after sunset, women and children do not have to spend a large part of each day gathering firewood, meaning that they can take part in education in order to sustain themselves and their families.
The club’s first meeting of the New Year will be held at the Barns on Tuesday 13th January 2014, 6.30 for 7.00pm when there will be 2 guest speakers: Roz Randall Specialist Education Safeguarding Trainer, Staffordshire County Council will talk about the role of the board and some of the work being undertaken in Staffordshire; SI Midland Chase Region President Carol Bailey will outline her vision of the work Soroptimists can do in the coming year to aid women and children both locally and globally. Tickets for the evening, including a two course meal, cost £13.00. For more information call 07971 494510 or email si.cannock@outlook.com
Cannock Soroptimists would like to wish everyone a peaceful and healthy New Year.
Photo: Soroptimist Shirley Brown is joined by Father Christmas to entertain SI Cannock & District members