South Lancashire’s Soroptimists met together ‘virtually’ for Josie Carter’s first session in her year as the Region’s President.
Sriya Kulupana (Programme Action Officer) highlighted the ethical search engine Ecosia. Its business model is to give away most of its profits from advertising revenue to enable trees to be planted around the world. Clubs may want to promote this to their members as an ‘environment’ initiative.
SI Liverpool described their award-winning project ‘Urban green-up – nature-based solutions’. The club is committed to continuing this until 2022. Members will link with more university research students, plus local community groups such as the Friends of Princes Park L8.
Partnerships between Soroptimist clubs and community organisations also featured in other reports. SI Leigh & District, for example, are planning seasonal gifts for staff in local care homes and hospice.
Crosby’s Soroptimists have funded 9 laptops for a local primary school. Social deprivation has caused great difficulties with children’s home-schooling during lockdown and self-isolation.
Plus – the members of SI Manchester donated 30 pairs of women’s pyjamas to Emmeline’s Pantry, which is a ‘foodbank with a difference’.
At the Council meeting Margaret Baker gave an update on our federation’s now-closed Nepal project. Soroptimists raised over £50,000 in one year, all of which was used to support the girls.
In a Council ‘first’, President Josie, President Elect Dorcas and Vice President Denise received their regalia – virtually!