Programme action is the heart of Soroptimism – it is what we do! It takes the format of service projects and fundraising. In 2022/23 Soroptimist International Wakefield and District have continued to make a difference to the lives of women and girls.
Club members made the decision to support local projects as much as possible, some of which are linked to national organisations.
Many members have long been supporting local food banks, donations have continued to be made as this source of support has become even more important as many people struggle to “Eat or Heat”.
Soroptimist International Wakefield and District supported work started by Rotary, following a presentation by Sheila Wainwright on the benefit of “Friendship Cats” also known as Dementia Cats. The cats have been donated to care homes known to members, we get regular updates on them, and how well they have been received. When presented with cats the recipients have responded by stoking the cat, asking its name, wanting to know where it lives and can it live with them. Given that more women than men are generally cared for in elderly care homes this is another project to help women.
As with many clubs SI Wakefield and District members unfortunately, have to visit GP’s and are prescribed medications which are dispensed in aluminium packs, these empty packets have been taken in the sackfuls to Superdrug to be recycled.
City of Sanctuary; this has become an ongoing project. Club members and individuals have donated women’s, men’s and children’s clothing and shoes and suitcases to carry the belongings when they move to more permanent accommodation. In September a Literacy evening was held, and books collected for the children were donated.
SI Wakefield and District have supported the Federation project, to plant trees in the district and virtually, over 250 trees have been put in the ground. The virtual plantation has continued to grow in the past year and has seen a further 50 trees added!
Another ongoing project is the “Knitting Project”, squares have been knitted by adults who have identified as having mental health issues to support them with self esteem and confidence building, these are then converted to blankets, once complete they have been donated to care homes, play schools and reception classes, remember having a nap at school, well we never had a blanket, current completed blankets are destined for the local hospital dementia and palliative care wards. Orange boas and Badges have been made to support the 25th of the month and UN 16 Days of Action, most of the wool used is either recycled or purchased from Charity shops.
We have fundraised for different charities, selling Tea Towels at The Queens Platinum celebration to raise funds for 2 Princes Trust Project in Wakefield, RCM Table for Young Carer and Homestart.
In November and December 2022, members joined community projects decorating trees for Christmas Tree Festivals, orange themed at Ossett Trinity Church and SI Colours at Nostell Priory.
2023/24 will see members continuing to support many of the projects from last year. We will also be adding to the list.
“Knitting Project” will be adding knitted/crochet hearts for ICU at Pinderfields Hospital and cardigans for premature babies.
Members have agreed to support two further projects:
Homestart and Action for Children Mother and Baby Unit New Hall Prison.
Soroptimists in Wakefield and District will continue their Programme Action projects with enthusiasm.
