Yvonne Simpson, International President of Soroptimist International is appealing to Soroptimists world wide to raise monies for her appeal, ‘Educate to lead, Nepal.’ Following the devastating earthquake, many Nepalese women and girls lost their livelihoods, leaving them vulnerable to being trafficked into slavery. This is where Soroptimists are helping, by raising funds to build a college where girls can be educated; with their new-found skills and knowledge, these girls will be able to achieve economic independence and will no longer be vulnerable to trafficking. Poole Soroptimists have donated £421 to the appeal, the proceeds of their evening collecting monies with the Rotary Christmas Train. The collectors are pictured here with Santa ready to bring Christmas cheer to children in Parkstone with his brightly lit train and Christmas carols and songs.

“Follow your dreams,” says 68 year old Poole Soroptimist Sue Fortescue who has just graduated from Leeds University. The photo here is of Sue on graduation day. SI Poole is justifiably proud of Soroptimist Sue who now has her MA (Merit) in advanced studies in Audio Visual Translation Studies.

Poole Soroptimist member Sue Fortescue made a presentation on the Purple Teardrop Campaign at the recent SI Great Britain and Ireland annual conference in Glasgow. Sue’s presentation focussed on the wonderful contributions made by Soroptimists to the Purple Teardrop Campaign’s work to combat human trafficking – conferences, vigils, fund-raising and lobby signature support to name but a few examples. Delegates were encouraged to visit the Purple Teardrop Campaign stand and to sign-up to the campaign’s next initiative.

A group of SI Poole members enjoyed a visit of the Port of Poole given by Dave Laut, Port Safety and Security Manager, Poole Harbour Commissioners. The photo here is of members trying to stow-away in a container going to Alderney! They saw much of interest, including the cranes, heavy fork-lift trucks and other equipment they have at their disposal. They also saw buoys of various sizes and learnt about their role in the harbour; containers and how they are identified, tracked and maintained; the huge variety of raw materials and manufactured goods which go through Poole Port; and how ships are loaded, including the Valiant. Dave Laut confirmed that one of the defibrillators donated by SI Poole was taken out by the RNLI to an incident at the rowing club. Although not used on this occasion, the RNLI is very pleased to have the

President Lynn Butterworth is through to the semi-finals of the Venus Business Women’s Awards, Inspirational Woman category. This category identifies women who have gone out of their way to help others and in doing so have inspired other individuals to do the same.

Poole, Dorset: Soroptimist International Poole (SI Poole) President, Lynn Butterworth, has been awarded the Community Champion Award by the Borough of Poole for her contribution to the communities of Poole. Lynn, who ran SI Poole’s initiative which placed two public defibrillators on Poole Quay attended the Mayor’s Chamber at the end of May to receive her award.  She was presented the award by the then Mayor, Councillor Peter Adams. Lynn said, ‘I feel honoured to be given this award. It is recognition of all the work SI Poole does for our community. We are all just regular local ladies, with work and family commitments, who volunteer with SI Poole to run projects designed to meet a specific local or international need.’The Borough of Poole Community Champion Awards were set up to recognise those who go the extra mile to help improve life for individuals, or the

Poole Swimarathon is an annual event run by Poole Lions, assisted by SI Poole and Poole Bay Rotary Club, to raise funds for local charities. The presentation evening was attended by many from the 50 teams of swimmers and from the charities benefitting. A number of cups were won by different teams of swimmers, the organisations raising the most money, and even the team in best fancy dress. Additionally the Chairman’s Cup was presented to Pauline Monk of Poole Soroptimists, in recognition of all the work she has put in to enable Gift Aid to be successfully reclaimed on the money raised over the last 3 years.Thanks to Pauline’s sterling efforts, a total of £5170 has been returned by the taxman, enabling Gift Aid cheques to be presented to the benefitting charities. As the Soroptimist-nominated charity, the Purple Teardrop Campaign against human trafficking received an additional

The success of SI Poole’s bid for an Aviva Community Fund grant depends on the outcome of the public vote. A big thank you to everyone who voted for our Loves Me Loves Me Not project. We will know the result at the end of June. About Loves Me Loves Me Not We are running a project to educate people in Dorset – particularly young people – about healthy relationships and respect. A key part of the project will be a competition for school students in years 8-10 to develop printed materials, videos or mobile phone apps to inform themselves and their peers about this subject. We need money for competition packs, which will be distributed online and as printed packs, and also for prizes for the winners in each category. We have printed materials available already and they are in need of updating, so we also need

Poole Quay now has two defibrillator machines, thanks to Soroptimist International Poole. The defibrillators are located at the Boat Haven Marina (opposite Tesco) and adjacent to the old lifting bridge. The defibrillators have clear signage and Poole Soroptimists are currently urging Poole Council for further signage on the quay’s light masts to help locate the defibrillators quickly in an emergency. Every second counts when someone has a heart attack and needs very urgent access to one of the machines. In this event, you should dial 999 for the key code to access the defibrillator and take it to the victim. The defibrillator talks you through the very simple process – you do not need any training. Poole Soroptimists were delighted to welcome SI Great Britain and Ireland President, Jenny Vince, and SI Southern England President, Jackie Theobald, to join the Mayor of Poole, Councillor Peter Adams,