This campaign against gender-based violence started in 1991 and is run annually from November 25th  (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to December 10th  (International Human Rights Day). Many of our projects support women and girls who have suffered or at risk. During this year’s 16 days we were delighted to be able to help Manchester Women’s Aid, Emmeline’s Pantry and WomenMatta MANCHESTER WOMEN’S AID On 28th November members enjoyed another successful evening packing over 100 mugs for Manchester Women’s Aid. Every women arriving at a refuge, after escaping domestic violence,  is given her own mug carefully wrapped in biodegradeable paper and containing sachets of tea, coffee, chocolate and a biscuit. Thanks to Rosemary for hosting the evening. Craft supplies for well-being sessions were delivered to one of the outreach centres. EMMELINE’S PANTRY Emmeline’s Pantry is a foodbank with a difference –

Four members enjoyed S I Stockport & District’s Charter Lunch on Sunday 1st October – together with members of other clubs in the South Lancashire region.

About 40 members, family and friends attended our garden party on Sunday 20th August. Thanks to hosts Susan and David for the use of their lovely garden. Over £500 was raised for our charities.

Recently Elaine and I spent a very pleasant few hours at Worsley United Reform Church Summer Fair. We helped at the refreshment and craft stalls but it wasn’t all work – we were entertained by Moorside Primary School Choir, Urban Stage Theatre School and Salford Community Leisure Street Dance Team. Wearing our Soroptimist T-shirts opened up the usual questions about what is a Soroptimist although it was refreshing to have a conversation with a visitor who knew exactly what we do as she had been a member of S I Grange over Sands. A snapshot of a church and local community coming together having fun and enjoying simple pleasures, although a lot of hard work for the dedicated organisers. Our efforts were very much appreciated , we enjoyed the occasion and were able to promote S I Manchester. Carole Swarbrick  

Helen Latto was president of S I Manchester in 1980-81. She left a capital sum to the club which was donated to the Royal Northern College of Music for investment with the interest gained to be used annually as a prize for singing to a student in the junior school.       This is Karen Humphrey’s last year as head of the RNCM Junior School – a long time friend of S I Manchester, she has promised to keep in touch.

President Sue and Programme Action Officer Rose presented this year’s award– a certificate and cheque – to Joy Mills, a musical theatre student at Pendleton College. The Club established the award in 2018 in memory of the victims of the horrific terrorist attack the previous year.

A4A SISL Update Jun 23 (1) Please click on the link to see the charity’s two year project with adolescent mothers and its Grains for Growth project.

At our June meeting we were very pleased to welcome Natalia, a member of S I Yerevan – a club in the European Federation. Natalia told us about the history of her club and her work as a doctor including her research into the genetics of Mediterranean fever and the treatment of Covid.

The club has supported Emmeline’s Pantry – a foodbank with a difference – for several years. Four members were pleased to be able to help with stalls, refreshments and a raffle at the charity’s fundraising Disney Day on a lovely sunny day in May.

Nicola, CEO and co-founder of SALVE spoke at our May Club meeting. The charity has been supporting children living on the streets of Jinja, Eastern Uganda, and their families since 2008. There are over 600 children living on the streets of Jinja and another 3,000 that turn to the streets for work. A team of Ugandan social workers offer counselling, support, medical care and education. They build relationships with the children and, where possible, return them to their family or to a foster home. We were pleased to be able to make a donation to this very worthwhile charity.