August 2010Welcome to Our First Newsletter
You are receiving this newsletter as you provided your details to our members at the Every Woman Expo stand in June.
We are delighted that you would like to keep up to date with what is happening in the world of Soroptimists in Western Australia.
In these monthly newsletters, we aim to showcase events that our clubs have held, projects we support and any upcoming events.
Of course, clubs are always seeking new members, so if you think you may like to find out more about what we do, then we would love to have you as a guest at one of our meetings.
You can always keep up to date with what is happening with the 17 WA clubs via our monthly newsletter, our new look website - www.soroptimist-wa.org.au, our Facebook Page and via our Twitter account - @soroptimist_wa
Contact our Membership Convenor - Bobbi Buckle - TODAY at info@soroptimist-wa.org.au to find out how you can become a Soroptimist."Help the Homeless" Art Auction Huge Success
Soroptimist International of Fremantle held the “Help the Homeless” Art Auction on Saturday 29th May. The auction was held at the University Of Notre Dame in Fremantle with public viewings on the 3 days prior to the auction.
The auction benefited both the Fremantle Street Doctor and the Starlight Hotel Choir. The Fremantle Street Doctor is a mobile health clinic serving the physical and mental needs of homeless and at-risk marginalised people, and targets those with low or no income, transients, substance abusers and those with diagnosed and undiagnosed mental illness.
The Starlight Hotel Choir operates from St Patrick’s Community Support Centre in Fremantle and members of the Choir are either homeless or at risk of being homeless, and through their music discover an avenue to develop a sense of community and social inclusion.
The auction was a huge success and well supported by both the Fremantle community and the artists who participated.
Bill Runs for Soroptimist International
Inglewood resident Bill Prendergast has been running to get fit for the past few years but this year he has doubled his efforts with the intention of entering the Perth Half Marathon on 8 August.
Bill’s wife Jane is the inaugural President of Soroptimists International of Maylands Peninsula. He has extra incentive to do well because his aim is to raise funds for the club. Bill’s dedication is seeing him well on the way to achieving his two goals: to finish the Half Marathon in under two hours and to raise $5000 for Soroptimist International.
Bill says ‘I started my get fit campaign a couple of years ago and this will be my first attempt at this distance and maybe in another couple of years I will be able to do the full monty. D-Day is on August 8 so training is well under way. For the past 6-8 weeks I have been running 15k on Saturdays and usually 3 other shorter training sessions during the week. My best time so far is 1hr 25min for 15k, so things look OK for finishing the half in 2 hours’.
The intention of raising money for a good cause has spurred Bill on with his dedicated training program. He has set up a secure on-line donation page and money goes straight to the club through donations to http://www.onlinegiving.com.au/pages/weallwin.aspx
‘Your donation will make a real difference to the Soroptimist club’s programs. It only takes a few minutes to donate via this fund raising page and is completely secure. Please feel free to also leave me a message on my message board!’ Welcome Boxes a Comfort
With more than 100 children in Albany attending the Albany Women’s Centre each year, Soroptimist International of Albany has found a way to bring comfort at a time of upheaval in their lives.
The club has taken on an ongoing project making up children’s welcome boxes and packs for the centre, which is a refuge for women and children escaping family and domestic violence in Albany.
Soroptimist International Albany president Geri Pegler said they were “care packs with a little fun”.
A club committee has worked to source suitable contents to fit a range of ages which have been appreciated by staff at the centre.
The centre’s coordinator Sonya Bell said the 24-hour crisis service has an accommodation and outreach component for women and children living with or leaving domestic/ family violence.
Ms Bell said the boxes have provided scared and anxious children with immense pleasure at having something of their own.
The club has been commended for the thought put into the boxes and packs which have not only brought joy to the children, but also to the mothers and staff who support them.
Mrs Pegler said the project was a practical way to make a difference to the lives of children in need in the community.
Ms Bell said the interest and support provided by Soroptimist International allowed the centre to provide its clients with an environment beyond practical service delivery that government funding allowed for. Upcoming Events
AUGUST
1 - Film Afternoon - "Night and Day" - proceeds raised will be going toward Project SIerra. There will also be a huge hamper raffle. Click here for details
3 - Social Dinner with Guest Speaker Natalia Josephs - Natalia is an ex international model who now owns Image Power. She will be talking about Social Skills and Etiquette. Click here for details
18 - Fashion Parade - proceeds raised will be going to Grandcare. Click here for details
30 - Region Executive Meeting
SEPTEMBER
11 - Region Council meeting and Stella Giles Award Presentation - TBA
19 - Soroptimist International Rockingham's 29th Birthday Celebrations - wine tasting and lunch at Millbrook Winery and Restaurant. For details on how to secure your tickets click here
19 - Walkathon - Burswood - TBA
20 - Region Executive Meeting
Soroptimist Awarded awarded the Member of the Order of Australia Medal
We are delighted that Soroptimist and friend Margaret Lobo has been awarded the prestigious Member of the Order of Australia medal for her services to our organisation.
We are justly proud of Margaret’s achievements. They are accompanied by a selfless, gentle and sympathetic approach to everything she tackles, along with a wicked sense of humour
Margaret is a member of Soroptimist International Perth, which she joined in September 1975. During that time she has held many positions within our organisation. President of her own club, President of the Region of Western Australia, President of the South West Pacific Federation and, most recently, as our International President for two years up until August 2009.
Recently, Margaret shared her Soroptimist experiences with Soroptist International of Helena where she was guest speaker at their Membership Information Evening in July. Margaret was able to excite several potential members with her stories.
|
