International Link
Joint project with SI Chisinau, Moldova – following on from our initial meeting with their club members, as part of our friendship link we agreed that the project focus will be the needs of the elderly. Jane proposed the potential of collecting items such as sticks and zimmer frames which are being discarded in the UK and shipping to Moldova.
After the outbreak of war in Ukraine and the subsequent exodus of refugees, we had a Zoom meeting with our fellow soroptimists. They told us about their efforts to transport vulnerable refugees across the country and support families who were hosting refugees. Members contributed and we added some club funds and were able to send them £3000 to help out.
Christmas Tree Festival
Each year we decorate a tree for the festival in St Thomas’ Church.
Other projects
Lobbying – trying to become more effective and pro-active at lobbying as a club.
Letter writing – we felt that writing letters generally, was something that was easy for members to do from home. SI Surrey Hills talked about their project writing letters to cancer sufferers via the “From me to you” charity – www.frommetoyouletters.co.uk . This is not a pen pal scheme and the charity finds recipients for the letters. Bernie had asked if there was a way we could support women in prison. After the meeting, Teresa found the details of a charity which works in this area – www.cleanbreak.org.uk/news.write-2-connect
Twiddlemuffs/masks – whilst we are no longer making any projects, if any members are interested in knitting or crocheting twiddlemuffs or sewing masks, please let Eleanor know. We will be able to either donate them to good homes, or sell them to raise funds.