The 2016 SI Wigan Christmas meal was held at Ashfield House. There was good food, an exchange of cards and gifts plus the annual Christmas Quiz – compiled as always by SI Wigan member and former President Joan Pye. A good evening was had by all and funds were raised for charities supported by SI Wigan.

Soroptimist InternationaI Wigan has given 47 Xmas shoe boxes to the Brick Homeless Centre in Wigan for distribution this Christmas. The boxes are filled by SI Wigan members and friends each year with presents, toiletries and essential items to help make Xmas better for those needing help at Christmas.

On December 1st the Soroptimist International Wigan Young Achiever Award for 2016 was presented to Jen Myler. The presentation was made by the Mayor of Wigan Councillor Mr Ron Conway at Wigan Town Hall. The award was given for excellence in sport – Jen plays for Everton Ladies Football Team and for her promotion of sport and healthy living in the community. The Young Achiever Award is presented annually and is sponsored by an ex SI Wigan member Mrs Wendy Stuart.

Each year Soroptimist International Wigan support the British Legion Poppy Appeal by knitting poppies for sale. this year several hundred poppies were knitted by members and friends.

Soroptimist International Wigan and Wigan Rotary jointly donated 40 sleeping bags to the Brick Centre for the Homeless in Wigan in October 2016. This is an annual project and is supported by the company Go Outdoors. Sleeping bags help to make sleeping outside in winter safer and helps wellbeing and health.

At the 2016 Award Evening in September Wigan Soroptimists welcomed representatives of some of the Charities supported by money raised during the 2015-2016 year. Cheques were given to Mary’s Meals (the main charity of last year’s President), FOMO, Wigan and Leigh Hospice, DIAS, and Baynards Zambia Trust.The evening was very enjoyable, members and friends learnt more about the work of the charities and how the money raised will be used.