Soroptimists

SOROPTIMISTS

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Women Inspiring Action, Transforming Lives Recent Activity

Another year nearly over and we can’t believe how busy we have been... and still are! Our November meeting was spent tidying up earlier actions and putting planning in place for 2022! But firstly, let’s just bring you up to date with previous reports. Our speaker, Charlotte Elwood (Community Fundraising & Engagement Officer at Cancer Research NW) gave an inspiring talk. It was full of interesting facts and fascinating insights as to how the charity is helping to support patients and their families. It also gave us hope for future research breakthroughs. Across the North West, we are up to 25% more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than anywhere else in the UK. North West Cancer Research is working tirelessly to break this pattern by fighting the types of cancer that affect people living here the most. Their current strategy is based on three key things: understanding our region; undertaking research; and education and awareness – all underpinned by a commitment to partnership and maintaining a people and patient focus.

AfriReuse

A cause for celebration was the achievement of our target of raising £1,000 to support 100 AfriReuse Dignity Packs for women and young girls through our 100-mile relay. And although donations are still coming in, it was decided that we would make an interim payment to the charity – that way 100 women and girls can receive their packs now and begin to benefit from them. It doesn’t bear thinking about, not having access to sanitary protection – not only from a hygiene perspective but also the knock on effect for education, as the lack of protection prevents

SOROPTIMISTS (cont)

girls going to school. It’s not too late for you to make a donation to add to our final total later: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/

garstang-soroptimists Moving Forward

We have so much work in progress – lucky so many of you wonderful women are coming forward and joining us! We collected clothing for refugees and one of our members, Annemarie, had the wonderful idea of linking items together such as jumper, trousers and jacket so that recipients have a whole outfit to wear. No matter what your current situation, everyone likes to look good. Linked with this was a collection of trauma bears (see photo) to offer support to children in need/experiencing trauma. A teddy can be an amazing source of comfort when all around you is in turmoil. We also had our collection of foodbank donations for the Salvation Army – a great spread and in time for Christmas. We do these collections a couple of times a year, ready for the school holidays and then again for Christmas, both times of increased need on the family purse. We made plans for this year’s ‘Cards for Kindness’ to coincide with the season’s festivities. Remember, there are lots of people who will simply have no one to remember them – so the simple act of sending a card can mean a lot. Why not join in – please see the Cards for Kindness www.healthierlsc.

co.uk/CardsForKindness

Stamp Collections for the RNIB

From the beginning of December we will have various collections points around Garstang at ‘Best Wishes’ (card shop), Visit Garstang Information Centre, the Arts Centre and the Market Hall – a big thanks to these organisations who have let us put our

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SOROPTIMISTS (cont)

collection boxes in their premises. It’s also a good opportunity to do a little Christmas shopping whilst you’re there! The stamps are weighed in and the charity then receives money towards their cause (don’t forget to leave about 1cm of envelope around the stamp if possible). Our petition of the month was agreed as supporting the development of wetlands as part of the climate change agenda – see here for more details: www.wwt.org.uk/

wetlands-can

From a national perspective we noted the Soroptimist’s presence at COP26, a mark of the recognition of the role Soroptimism plays in national and international campaigning. We also felt ‘justifiably proud’ of Garstang Soroptimist’s Plant Life Campaign being recognised at a regional and national level as an example of good practice. And then importantly, we finalised our plans for our festive meal, the year-end ‘blow out’. We’ll enjoy a meal (this year at the Royal Oak) and a chance to just have fun and socialise with good friends. Again, the fun and friendship aspects of Soroptimism are a vital part of who we are and it’s a wonderful thing to be part of a wonderful group of women of all ages, from all backgrounds and with such a variety of experiences.

And Finally!

Seasons greetings to everyone and a huge thank you for all your support throughout the year. May your winter break be filled with happiness and love and may the coming 2022 be a kinder year to us all in every way.

Next Meeting

Our next meeting is Wed 12th Jan at 6:30pm at our usual venue of the Garstang Country Hotel and Golf Centre. Don’t be shy, get in touch and be part of

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