Project Work 2017-2018
As part of our Programme Action Activity, our project work each year focuses on local projects which continue from year to year, interspersed with short projects as the need arises locally, nationally and internationally. In addition each year our President chooses projects which she would like the club to support, sometimes this includes fundraising, practical support or can be simply raising awareness.
Serving the Local Community
St Cuthbert’s Hospice
For many years SI Durham has supported St Cuthbert’s, a hospice in Durham City, in various ways. In 2007, it raised funds to help the Hospice open a residential wing. This was a major undertaking for the Hospice and the Club was proud to be able to support it. Members were invited to attend the formal opening in May 2007 by the Countess of Wessex.
Members help at one of the Hospice’s Charity Shops on the 1st Saturday of each month, and a rota of members covers one day per week at the Coffee Shop at the Hospice itself. Members also save used postage stamps for the Hospice in Durham as an ongoing fund raising activity.
Durham Women’s Refuges
The Club supports 4 local Women’s Refuges in County Durham – Durham City, Bishop Auckland, Stanley and Peterlee by donating toiletry bags, nightwear, bedding and other items as needed.
County Durham Foodbanks
The Club collects food throughout the year to be distributed to various Foodbanks in the county.
Raising funds for the President’s Charities
The club raises a considerable sum of money each to support the President’s chosen charities. In 2017 Judith choseto continue our support for a second year for MND – Motor Neurone Disease. https://www.mndassociation.org. Relatively little is known about this devastating disease with its numerous strains. Currently there is no cure and research is limited. We will extended our own knowledge and were able to raise awareness as well as raising money to help in our local area.
President Dot Hales has chosen two charities to support during her year in office. Clown Doctors who work with very sick children in hospitals and Look Good Feel Better which provides hair and make sessions for women and girls receiving treatment for Cancer.
Advocacy and Action on Social Issues
We are active in raising awareness of local, national and international issues related to women and children. Recent campaigns include trying to retain the Tourist Information Centre in Durham and supporting Malala in her campaign for education for girls. We submitted a report on Citizenship to Parliament as part of a Select Committee investigation into Citizenship in the UK in the 2st century.
Soroptimist International President’s Appeal
We annually donate the money we would have spent on Christmas cards to this appeal.
