A MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT PAT
SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF THE FYLDE
1937 – 2009
President 2009-10: Ms Pat Fergusson
THEME: WORKING TOGETHER
CHARITABLE AIMS:
- Working with and supporting local organisations
- Project SIerra (S.I. Quadrennial Project 2007-2111)
Fylde Soroptimists have been active on the windswept and wonderful west coast of Lancashire for over 70 years, providing charitable service, support and, since 1953, accommodation for retired women.
And now, in 2009, we continue working locally, nationally and internationally with the same values that made our organisation the largest of its kind, working for the benefit of women and girls; a voice for women with a social conscience, working globally to make a difference. That’s the theory! In reality, we are a diverse group of women from a wide range of backgrounds. We are a happy and lively club, aware of the need for flexibility in an ever-changing world and consequently keeping our calendar updated with something to appeal to everyone.
In the forthcoming year, our theme is ‘Working Together’ which applies to us as a dynamic group of women, reaching into our community. Please have a closer look at our website for an overview of our activities, then come along and see for yourself.
We are fortunate to have our own premises as the focus of many fun and friendly events; giving service, fundraising by working together and meeting informally for theatre trips, our book club and outdoor challenges such as sponsored walks and environmental projects.
Locally we have ongoing involvement with the Contact Centre and Women’s Refuge, also schools and a variety of local charitable organisations.
Further afield we regularly meet with other clubs in the region and have recently forged a new Friendship Link with SI Skipton-in-Craven, in the Yorkshire Region, now giving us three UK links and two more in Africa.
Networking socially and promoting a joint effort in Soroptimist projects is what our organisation is all about; there is strength in numbers and ‘working together’ achieves far more than working in isolation; it is far more enjoyable, too. We are making a big effort to raise funds for the Soroptimist Quadrennial Project 2007-2011, Project SIerra, which is detailed on the website and works in partnership with the charity Hope and Homes for Children to improve the quality of life, health and education for women and children in Sierra Leone.
My objectives for the year ahead have much in common with the current climate around economic and environmental issues. This is an opportunity to pull together and revisit our core values. By strengthening our club at local level we are building a solid foundation to support the objectives of Soroptimism.
Since 1921, Soroptimists have been working worldwide to make a difference.
Join us at SI The Fylde; we can offer you friendship whilst we work together at making that difference.
Pat Fergusson - April 2009