Violet Richardson was the original founder of Soroptimist International, her motto was It’s what you do that counts and therefore, hence the name Violet Awards for “Women of Action”.
On Friday 20 October, the current generation of members here in MK gathered at MK SNAP for their second Violet Awards evening, where local women were recognised for their unsung efforts in going above and beyond their normal roles in helping other women and girls calling upon the services of our charities and to help these women achieve their potential.
SI:MK fundraises all year to help our chosen charities and community groups meet small gaps in provision for their clients. Currently we are supporting
MK Act, MK YMCA, UnityMK (formerly Winter Night Shelter MK), Ukraine Appeal and Works for Us (now part of Citizens Advice MK).
The awards were very kindly sponsored by Jan Flawn CBE and founder of P J Care the award-winning specialist of neurological care and rehabilitation. Our keynote speaker was Zoe Raven, Chief Executive of Acorn Early Years, who spoke about the demands of juggling child care with personal development. Warm thanks to both of them for making the evening so interesting and enjoyable.
This evening was all about the women working, volunteering for their charities and their stories of devotion and hard work which were told by their managers. It was an emotional and inspiring event and we say again to all the nominees thank you, you are much valued. Every nominee received a certificate, flowers and a Violet heart but the winners, women from MK:ACT and the Ukraine Appeal also received an additional prize. Many congratulations to them – what role models they are!
Soroptimism is an international movement, which started in 1921, is an international women’s voluntary organisation working to improve the lives of women and girls locally, nationally and at an international level.
We are Soroptimists.
Women inspiring action, transforming lives.
We are vibrant, dynamic and like-minded women,
Working on global to local projects that help improve the lives of women and girls.