Inspired by the UN Day of the Toilet on 19 November Medway Soroptimists decided to raise money to provide toilets for a school in Sierra Leone.  With each member “spending a penny” in the true sense of the word we raised £240 which will not only provide latrines for an entire school but also provide clean water, basic sanitation and most importantly, hygiene education. It seems that much of the world still do not understand the link between sanitation and health and these toilets not only save lives but provide healthier communities which gradually lift them out of poverty because the adults are well enough to work and the children are well enough to go to school.  In many cases the water and the education is all that is needed to empower them to build their own latrine.   Kancha, from Nepal, has had his life

Blytheswood Trust distributed approximately 17,500 boxes from Medway last year and in honour of Blytheswood Trust’s centenary this year, Medway Soroptimists aimed to fill 100 boxes. The club met on two evenings to wrap and fill the boxes, and also to do what Soroptimists do best, to eat, drink and chat. The boxes are filled with winter essentials like hats; gloves; scarves etc, toiletries; stationery; toys and sweets for all ages in order to provide a Christmas present for those who have little chance of getting one this year.    The boxes are all wrapped in Christmas paper and distributed by Blythswood Trust who say that the recipients are often overwhelmed that someone cared enough to prepare a gift for them. If you would like to find out more about Medway Soroptimists use the ‘Contact Us’ form http://www.blythswood.org/shoebox-appeal