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Who knew that the Red Cross did so much?

Who knew that the Red Cross did so much?

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And in the UK too! Well who knew that the Red Cross worked in the UK as well as internationally!  Not many of our Club, that was for sure! Cara Munrow , our local fundraiser, certainly educated us on the work they do at home as well as abroad.  Besides First Aid courses, they provide all sorts of other support in a crisis that we hadn’t thought about. Not only does the Red Cross provide physical items such as mobility aids and practical help after a flood or fire.   Given the recent floods around the country this winter they have been especially busy.   They also provide emotional support to those affected by a crisis.   Because of their expertise they are also the biggest provider of refugee and International family tracing services. As one of our members put it – Cara, thank you

Andy Bower from Trussell Trust receiving cheque from President Sandra
Do we still need Foodbanks?

Do we still need Foodbanks?

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Yes – because sadly the stats for foodbanks if anything are getting worse. Andy Bower from the Trussell Trust gave us an update on the foodbank situation in our area.   The stats make salutary reading.   There are now 465 foodbanks in the UK.   Besides the one in Kenilworth there are now a total of 6 in the Warwick District. With 158 referral agencies locally more than 5,100 including children were helped in 2019.   53,500 tons of food has been distributed.                         December was particularly busy with 180 people per week helped. The main users being single men and single parent families (usually women).  And the main reasons for need are low income, benefit delays and changes, debt and homelessness.

Saturday evening – Barn Dance and ‘peeling the banana’!

Saturday evening – Barn Dance and ‘peeling the banana’!

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To add to the general fun and merriment of the weekend, we decided organise a Barn Dance with live band and caller as a quintessential British activity to teach our Dutch and German sisters how to dance!   Only a few toes were trod on and there was much hilarity all round. We all learnt a new step called ‘peel your banana’, which mainly involved running around the line of participants in your group as fast as possible to get back to the start!   Chaos and mayhem which provided much amusement for those watching. Which way now?!!!             And of course, some cake!

June Dinner Meeting – A truly inspiring and Soroptimist affirming talk

June Dinner Meeting – A truly inspiring and Soroptimist affirming talk

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We welcomed Midland Arden Region President Jan Hemlin to our June dinner meeting.  She gave us a very interesting and informative talk about her journey as a Soroptimist so far.   Amongst the highlights were her descriptions of the many Soroptimist International conferences and conventions that she has attended, and the opportunities they offer for networking, development and collaboration. Jan also gave us a clear explanation of Soroptimists involvement in the UN that demonstrated the extensive work done to address the may issues and inequalities that affect women and girls throughout the world. Although Jan delivered some very powerful statements in a gentle but dramatic manner, this just enhanced their message.    

Soroptimists in Action!

Soroptimists in Action!

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Our very own Soroptimist in Action Fran ran the 10k Two Castles Race this morning raising over £300 via her JustGiving page for our Wellbeing Fund, supporting the women and children at our local Refuge.   Eight more of us had the rather more sedentary task of raising money by marshalling the event!espite the early start, the weather was kind to us and we were able to cheer everyone on with a smile. 🙂