EVENTS
Events have all been cancelled due to Covid-19
In the meantime check the Soroptimist International of Geelong Inc. facebook page (fb link on the home page)
SI Geelong continue to meet on-line every second Tuesday to discuss/plan our current and future projects. We also have an on-line social afternoon tea once a month. If you would like to join us for either write a message via the contact page and our secretary will get back to you.
LOCAL PROJECTS
Recognizing the enormity of the challenges our society faces, Soroptimist International of Geelong Inc is dedicated to making a lasting impact through our campaigns and programs. While our efforts are driven by our organization’s singular focus, we spread a wide net by investing in a variety of progressive strategies. Learn more about our initiatives and get involved yourself.
NORTH GEELONG HIGH SCHOOL
For the last six years SI Geelong awarded a 2 year bursary to 2 female refugee students at North Geelong SC.
Both girls are assisted with uniforms and books through their last two years of school.
SUPPORT FOR VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
SI Geelong has for many years supported women’s refugees in Geelong. Examples of the support SI Geelong was able to give was the donation of funds for ongoing maintenance and to help install a CCTV system.
ADVOCACY
Members of SI Geelong joined members of Zonta to protest the proposal to relocate the Australian Tax Office Geelong branch to Melbourne. This would have a detrimental effect on the 120 workers (62 women) involved and on-going economic effects on Geelong as a whole
Days for Girls
Each year at our Christmas meeting the club collects and donates to this great charity
Ann and Beverley
THE GORDON INSTITUTE
English Language
Members from SI Geelong volunteer at the Gordon practising English language skills with International students. Many of the students are refugees while others have migrated to Australia. They are all studying English and need to reach a certain level of English to enable them to apply for jobs and/or to continue with their studies.
Scholarships
SI Geelong offer two $1000 scholarships to female students who require extra time to complete their language course. These scholarships enable the students to achieve greater proficiency before they apply for employment or further education.
Karen and Ann sourcing linen to be donated to victims of domestic abuse.
INTERNATIONAL PROJECT
CHIPEMBELE WILDLIFE EDUCATION TRUST – ZAMBIA
Soroptimist International of Geelong has been sponsoring Chipembele students for several years.
The club has donated tee-shirts to the ‘Girl’s Club’, paid the bus hire to enable the girls to visit a nearby city to investigate further educational and training opportunities (a once in a lifetime trip).
In 2014, SI Geelong sponsored two primary and one secondary school girls to enable them to attend school. The senior girl has since gone on to university study while the younger two continue to achieve well at school despite challenging home lives. Both students have lost at least one parent due to illness and poverty.
COVID-19 PROJECTS
FOOD BANK DONATIONS
Reinforcing our Commitment
The need for basic food items during Covid-19 lockdown has greatly increased and SI Geelong donated funds and goods to two separate food banks to assist.
BEANIES FOR CANCER PATIENTS
Helping The Community
Keeping busy was difficult during lockdown until a member had the great idea to knit beanie for the local cancer patients. Carried out over three busy weeks, 53 beanies were finally presented to the Andrew Love Cancer Centre.
The knitters have now moved on to knitting beanies and scarves for the local homeless population
CAPS FOR NURSES
One Person CAN make a difference
One member of SI Geelong spent two weeks sewing caps for nurses to wear under their PPE - This was a Rotary project that Jenny partnered with sewing 31 caps to add to the final total