Soroptomist International of Weston

Soroptomist International of Weston is part of a worldwide organisation for women in management and the professions.

Soroptimist International was founded in 1921, when 80 women formed the first club in Oakland, California. Since then membership has grown to nearly 95,000 women in 125 countries across the world.

The word Soroptimist comes from the Latin words soror meaning sister and optima meaning best and loosely translates as best for women.

As the worlds largest classified service organisation for women it works through service projects to advance human rights and the status of women.

The towns branch was founded in 1939 and is a friendship group of women dedicated to raising money for local charities and working voluntarily for good causes.

Internationally, the clubs also work together to raise money for a separate project that is chosen every four years. The current campaign is Project Sierra, a family and a future in which Soroptimist International is working in partnership with the registered charity, Hope and Homes for Children, which operates in 12 countries in Central and Eastern Europe and Africa.

The charitys mission is to give hope to those who are orphaned, abandoned or vulnerable by enabling them to grow up within the love of a family and the security of a home. This compliments Soroptimist Internationals mission of improving the lives of women and children in the world.

The Weston branch is also raising money for several local charities including the Community Volunteer Services in Walliscote Grove Road and Talking News - a news service for blind and partially sighted people. Members also volunteer in the RNLI Souvenir Shop in Anchor Head and League of Friends Shop in Weston General Hospital.

President Mandy Brown said: This year we have also raised funds for Cancer Research UK and we completed the sponsored midnight beach walk to raise funds for Weston Hospicecare.

We are always looking to welcome new members of any age who will be dedicated to our charity work. Please contact us by using the website and then you can come along to one of our meetings to get to know our members.

THE FACTS:
Name of club: Soroptimist International of Weston.
Founded: 1939.
Membership: 30.
Who the club caters for: Professional women, active and retired who are able to commit to voluntary and charity work on a regular basis.
Meeting place and time: Every first and third Tuesday of each month at The Woodspring in Worle High Street.
Who to contact for more details: Visit www.soroptimist-gbi.org or e-mail hq@soroptimistgbi. prestel.co.uk

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