South Lancashire’s Soroptimists put pen to paper at their Summer meeting. All in a good cause, of course.
The charity From Me To You (FMTY) focuses on the cheer that a simple friendly letter can bring to cancer patients. Undergoing treatment, people can feel isolated, anxious or in need of distraction. A chatty letter brings snippets of news from another person – reminders of everyday life. There’s comfort in that connection, however mundane the contents.
So, after viewing the video message from Alison Hitchcock (co-founder of FMTY) the Soroptimists took up the challenge. It seemed daunting to write to a complete stranger – even anonymously. However, the charity’s guidance notes helped overcome most people’s initial hesitancy.
By the end of the session Yvonne Gibbon (Region Programme Action Officer) had a bundle of letters. These she will forward to FMTY for onward distribution to cancer patients – if possible, to women.
Several clubs are now considering promoting this initiative to their own members. In particular, for those who are less able to take part in physically active projects, letter-writing could be of value. It is a worthwhile way of maintaining Soroptimist service and of making a real difference.
As a postscript to the meeting, cuppas became coppers – the Soroptimists held a spontaneous From Me To Brew collection at the ‘tea bar’. The members of Soroptimist International Bootle were kept busy serving – and over £40 was raised for the charity.