At our February 7th meeting, the members heard from Isla, who volunteers with Street Child, while studying fulltime at university in Glasgow. Street Child’s urban programmes work with street-connected children and their families. The social workers identify children working or living on the street, and help them return home. They also work with the family to help the children go back to school. With Street Child’s support and an educational grant children can return to school immediately and then work with the family to set up a sustainable business so that the family can stay in their local area. Families receive an initial start-up grant for the business and are given training and financial advice by Street Child’s business officers. The families are encouraged to save money in an incentivised saving scheme to provide for their children’s education long-term. Over 85% of businesses started by

In early October, SI Glasgow City put on a vintage fashion show in aid of the charity Mercy Ships UK. Mercy Ships provide the world’s largest charitable floating hospital and bring free medical care to some of the world’s poorest people. Organized by SI Glasgow City’s President Madeleine, ensembles from across the decades were modelled by Club members and friends. Music carefully chosen to invoke the spirit of the outfit’s era introduced each piece and the audience were then entertained with garment details and history from our eloquent compere. This sell out show was supported by many Club members and supporters and our warm thanks go out to each of you. After the show, an afternoon tea was enjoyed by all and a raffle for some great prizes rounded off the afternoon. The event was put on at the Garfield Hotel in Stepps.

SI Glasgow City recently organized a raffle for a limited edition ladies handbag, with Soroptimist tartan detail, which was a gift from SI Paisley. The raffle raised £187 for The Meru Kenya Women’s Garden project. Myrtle Peterkin, President Elect, SI Glasgow City, is seen presenting the handbag to the lucky winner Fiona Murphy. Congratulations to Fiona!

Tomorrow’s Women Glasgow (TWG) is an innovative and unique multi agency centre based in Gorbals, Glasgow. The staff work with women with complex needs who are involved in the criminal justice system. The service offers the women a safe space to talk about their needs and to address issues that prevent them from living positive healthy lives. Members of Soroptimist International Glasgow City have been supporting TWG since 2013 and at a recent club meeting the members had the opportunity to meet two of the women being supported by the staff of TWG. Team Leader Anne and Housing Officer Andrea also provided an update of the service and President Elect Myrtle presented a cheque to be used to fund a pampering session for the women.