Programme Action: Women’s Refuge Donations
The President and members of Burnley Soroptimists have again been making up and delivering Comfort Packs containing essential items for the women and children who arrive in crisis at the local Refuge.
Pauline Frost Hardwick president of the women’s group said “We try to provide the Refuge with a steady supply of these packs throughout the year but it’s even more important that they have enough with possibly their busiest period ahead. Christmas is a time for loving and giving within families but it can also put great pressure on relationships some of which break down acrimoniously. Women arrive at the Refuge without even the bare essentials of soap and a toothbrush so we make up packs for them adding a few luxuries when we have them. We have been particularly fortunate lately to have had tremendous support from Councillor Julie Cooper who has donated very many of the items in the packs. She also gave us items to make up junior comfort packs which included kiddie tooth care sets.”
The latest Burnley Soroptimist initiative co-incides with the International 16 days of Action Against Gender Violence Campaign (26th November-10th December) which was launched locally at the Refuge’s AGM.
The Refuge are appealing for donations of old mobile phones (with charger) which will be given to women in the community, who are working with the domestic violence services and don’t have a phone. Having access to a mobile phone would dramatically improve a family’s safety. Collection points for the old mobile phones locally are the Children’s Sure Start Centres, Burnley Library, Burnley College and in the Town Hall reception. White ribbons are also available for a £1 donation from the Town Hall reception, Nicholas Street reception and the Calico reception with the proceeds going towards keeping women and children in the local community safe.
Mrs Frost Hardwick said “Domestic violence is often covert and, to maintain the safety of the victims, the East Lancashire Refuges can not have a high profile. They carry out vital work in our community and deserve all the support we can give them.”
