Working on projects, whether local, regional, national or international, that make a difference to the lives of women and children, especially girls, is one of the main reasons women join the organisation of Soroptimist International.
Some of SI Taunton’s on-going projects include:
- The annual Swimathon weekend held in February – see our website www.taunton- swimathon.co.uk We have been running an annual Swimathon since 1988, during which time we have raised over £610,900 for charities, making it one of the most successful fund-raising events in the South West.
- Sew Protected – In February 25 we had a presentation from Anna Shutler of ‘Dignity by Design’ (formerly Sustainable Sanitary Kits (Yeovil)) who was extremely enthusiastic and full of ideas of how to expand our project. We have been holding regular sewing sessions and have many more kits ready to be distributed. Our progress has been sped up by members cutting out template materials at home so that the sewers can devote their time to using their machines including overlockers for the towel inserts. We are hoping to partner with the Somerset branch of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme to develop a programme for girls participating at various levels of the service part of the award scheme to assist with the project. D of E Somerset were our chosen charity for our annual Swimathon event giving grants to young girls who would otherwise struggle to access the Scheme. This is a great example of both organisations benefitting from shared goals to improve the lives of women and girls both here in the UK and in other regions of the world.
- An education sponsorship for Pratima a 10 year old girl in Nepal.
- A monthly donation of food and other items to the Taunton Trussell Trust Foodbank.
- Supporting the work of The Nelson Trust in Bridgwater who provide hope and long term recovery to lives affected by addiction and multiple disadvantages.