At our February meeting Kath Sainsbury came to talk to us about the Mary Thompson Fund, a charity that supports asylum seekers in the Teesside area.  We heard a thought provoking talk and learned from Ramin how his mother had come to England with two very young children and eventually became a UK citizen. Ramin has been to university in Bristol but returned to the North-East to give something back. He now volunteers for the Mary Thompson fund and should be very proud of his achievements.

We have received more funding from the Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner. Julie has delivered 3 bags and mobile phones for victims of trafficking and modern slavery. Three members had an excellent meeting with Steve Turner.

Sue delivered some coats to the Friday drop-in at Purple Rose.

Sue delivered food and toiletry donations to the Billingham and Stockton Food Bank, plus some knitted hats.

Caroline and Julie welcomed our latest member Val.

    We were given some beautiful thank you cards for the books we donated to Mill Lane Primary School.

From November 25 to December 10, for the fifth year, we displayed something orange on our Facebook page to raise awareness of domestic abuse. This year’s campaign focussed on internet abuse.    

Four members delivered over 260 books to Mill Lane Primary School in Stockton. The books had been donated by members and by Drake’s book shop.

Sue and Julie visited the Billingham and Stockton Borough Food Bank to hand over a cheque for £100. They also delivered 20 hats knitted by Julie and some teddies.

Joyce presented Purple Rose with a cheque for £100 along with six bags of clothing, towels and bedding. The money would be used to buy Christmas presents for the children.