We were half way through our 16 Days of Activism as we entered December, with our Day 7 post on 1st December. We followed the international theme of raising awareness of the dangers of technology in violence against women. At this time, our club President Jill was in Dubai meeting up with six women, three of whom were Soroptimist International Club Presidents, representing four clubs and three Federations: SIE, SIGBI and SIAF. Also on the 1st December, a large number of club members and friends shared a meal and then went on to see the Cornwall Air Ambulance Carol Concert at Truro Methodist Church. Soroptimist Nettie presented a club cheque to Isla and her mum Carrie, in aid of the Air Ambulance fundraising effort. Isla had written a song to say thankyou to the ambulance crew for providing her mum with critical care. We were all enthralled by performances from St Dennis Band, City of Truro Male Choir and the Cornwall Youth Choir. It was a lovely way to start the festive season!
At our club meeting on 8th December we wore our Christmas jumpers and enjoyed mince-pies and a festive sing-song led by Soroptimist Kay on the keyboard. At this meeting we were pleased to welcome Amber Williams who received an Elizabeth Millard bursary cheque. The Elizabeth Millard Bursary funds are raised by Past Presidents of the club in memory of our second club President. We have awarded 37 bursaries since it was set up in 1987 our 10th Anniversary year. Initially, it was for women and girls studying male orientated careers e.g. science and engineering. The immediate Past President chairs the committee and presents the Award to the recipient. Our thanks to Past President Nettie for doing the honours on this occasion. Congratulations Amber!
At the end of our 16 Days of Activism, we drew the raffle at Par Garden Centre and Soroptimist Jennie presented the prizes to the winners. Our thanks to Par Garden Centre for their support of this raffle, selling tickets and providing some of the prizes.
On the 16th December a group of club members enjoyed wrapping presents for the women and children who were spending Christmas in temporary accommodation over the holiday. Our thanks to everyone who has supported the mid-Cornwall Refuges by buying raffle tickets, donating toiletries and gifts, wrapping presents or delivering. We hope that our gifts brought some happiness!
We finished the month with our Christmas Orange Cafe. We played games, enjoyed more mince-pies and even had a visit from a special visitor. It was a lovely way to end the year.