South Lancashire’s Soroptimists held an “open day” in Altrincham and invited local women to find out more about Soroptimist International. Members from all over the Region were on hand to talk to visitors.
Clubs set up displays to showcase their community service – both locally and internationally. SI Stockport, for example, put up information on the Sanctuary Room which they funded at Stockport Police Station; and Bury’s members illustrated how they support a schoolgirl and her classmates at Watamu in Kenya. SI Ormskirk brought the beautiful Sri Lankan banner made by one village as a “thank you” for the club’s efforts – they funded a new community centre following the devastating tsunami. On one stand a poignant array of tiny hand-knitted clothes and “angel pockets” made by Widnes’ Soroptimists demonstrated how the club has liaised with the local hospital to support parents of premature babies that do not survive.
Linda Redhead, the Region’s Organisational Development Officer, co-ordinated the event. “It was impressive to see such a wide selection of Soroptimist activity on display. Several of our visitors expressed an interest in finding out more, so may well visit local clubs and meet more members. I know they will be welcomed in traditional Soroptimist fashion – in friendship.”
