Having enjoyed a thoughtful and fun Reflections Day on Sunday, March 23rd at Howfield Manor Hotel in Chartham Hatch and then followed it up with an informal AGM a few days later, Canterbury Soroptimists have recently taken the time to consider our past year as well as look forward to the next.
We have had three main streams of work this past year:
- Raising awareness of violence against women and girls with our Anti Domestic Abuse Team
- Raising awareness of the climate and biodiversity crises with our Land, Rivers and Sea Team
- And all of us supporting the local community in the cost of living crisis having donated just over £600 to local charities, providing support to those in need.
In terms of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals our work thus comes under SDG 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 14, 15 and 17.
In addition to raising awareness and monetary contributions, our members have generously given their time and energy. Collectively, we have contributed over 400 hours of volunteering this year! When translated into a monetary value, using an average UK hourly rate of £15, this equates to an astounding £6,000 of contributed value to our community.
Additionally, we have simplified the way we operate and seen a growing interest in our club, welcoming new members who share our passion for service and advocacy as well as our sense of fun and friendship. All in all, a great year. We can’t wait to get started on the next!
Tessa Woodward, Canterbury.