Thanks to all of the Soroptimists that participated in the Ancaster Food Drive [yesterday]. With our eye catching T-Shirts, we were the most visible group there! I would like to extend a special thanks to Erica and Paige for getting up early this morning and volunteering with their Mom’s ( Alice & Shirley E). It was wonderful to see so many from the community helping for this much needed service. I have attached a few pictures of the highlights. Again, thank you for all of your help. We are one awesome club! Barb
The sorting table
Mother and Daughter Duo
We took over
Donation
Hard at Work
Volunteers sorting
Update: The spirit of generosity and sense of community was once again clearly evident for the annual Ancaster Community Food Drive. On Saturday, February 20, 2010, hundreds of volunteers canvassed door to door throughout the community collecting a record total of 75,000 lbs of food and $7000 in cash donations.
Soroptimist International is now offering beautiful cards as a fun and special way to share a gift, while telling the stories of amazing women helped through Soroptimist programs.
We ate until we couldn’t eat anymore and had to sit down! Guests were welcomed with plates, programs and Ferrero Rocher. Tables lined the walls with additional booths down the middle, interspersed with water & milk stations; such variety of vendors.
Next time we will go earlier because many stations had already run out of delicious things, such as chocolate chili. Sandy would be ashamed, but we didn’t even have room for red wine and the chocolate fountain actually went untouched … however, the earl grey cups by Weil’s were something special!
The music by the Hamilton Youth Steel Orchestra was great and so were the McMaster Dance Company performances. The silent auction room even had a Jazz Trio (guitar, bass guitar and drums) accompanying the giant chocolate fountain.
See you next year - bring comfy shoes and stretchy pants!
After about half a million votes poured in from all over the world, Mattel announced their newest career for Barbie on Friday. Voters had the opportunity to choose from an Architect, an Environmentalist, a Surgeon, a News Anchor, and a Computer Engineer. This was the first time during the course of Barbie’s 51 year history that fans were able to voice their opinion about her next career move and they were so surprised by the response that this year there will be two: News Anchor and Computer Engineer Barbie.
Barbie® I Can Be…™ dolls and accessories empower girls to play out different roles and “try on” fabulous careers, including computer engineer, the first Barbie® profession chosen by popular vote! This digital diva engineers the perfect geek-chic look, with hot pink accessories and sleek gadgets to match. The inspiring set also comes with a special code that unlocks career-themed content online, for even more digital play (how fitting)! - Mattel website
According to Lauren Dougherty, director of Barbie marketing for Mattel, voting for the Computer Engineer Barbie became viral amongst female engineers and other women in the tech industry. “All the girls who imagine their futures through Barbie will learn that engineers — like girls — are free to explore infinite possibilities, limited only by their imagination,” says Nora Lin, President, Society of Women Engineers. “As a computer engineer, Barbie will show girls that women can turn their ideas into realities that have a direct and positive impact on people’s everyday lives in this exciting and rewarding career.” - ChipChicklets
Computer engineer Barbie will be released in winter 2010, wearing a geeky binary code patterned t-shirt; she comes equipped with everything a modern day tech girl would need: a smartphone, Bluetooth headset, laptop travel bag, and a pink laptop with a dual monitor set up!
According to Soroptimist International, fifty-seven percent of teens know someone who has been verbally, physically, or sexually abusive in a dating relationship; females ages 16 to 24 are more vulnerable to intimate partner violence than any other age group. Educate yourself on how you can impact the life of a teenager (male or female). Download your copy of the Soroptimist White Paper »
Soroptimist International of the Americas, working to improve the lives of women and girls in local communities and throughout the world, examines the issue of teen dating violence. Dating and intimate relationships are a normal part of growing up for many adolescents. Yet teenagers frequently form their first romantic relationship without a clear understanding of what constitutes a healthy versus an unhealthy relationship. As a result, they are particularly vulnerable to becoming targets of dating abuse. Fifty-seven percent of teens know someone who has been verbally, physically, or sexually abusive in a dating relationship.
Although the patterns and signs of teen dating violence tend to mirror those exhibited in adult abusive relationships, there are some unique issues that teens face. This white paper examines those unique issues as they relate to the factors that influence teen dating violence, as well as the consequences thereof. The paper also addresses the unique obstacles teens face when seeking help and/or deciding to end an abusive relationship.
If you want to get involved, there is a Model Program Kit that you can implement through your club. You can also order Soroptimist Teen Dating Violence bookmarks to distribute. The 2 x 7 inch glossy bookmarks promote healthy dating relationships among teenagers.
Rescued and Restored, Drummond House’s new fundraising initiative, has secured 3,000 square feet of warehouse space on Hwy. 6 thanks to Soroptimist member, Maria Demkowich, owner of J.D.J. Trailer Manufacturers.
The fundraising venture is set to operate as a used furniture, clothing and accessory shop. Funds generated from the sale of items will go towards the shop’s operational costs. Additional funds will support Drummond House’s operational costs.
Organizers and project volunteers, wishing to see a good turnover, are constantly collecting new items. To donate, interested individuals can call project manager Nick Marusich to arrange a pickup: 905-876-8281
Rescued and Restored, located at 1056 Hwy. 6 in Flamborough, is open for business and the public is invited to shop every Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
I’d also like to share the opening words of inspiration from our February meeting:
Time passes.
Life happens.
Distance separates.
Children grow up.
Jobs come and go.
Love waxes and wanes.
Men don’t do what they’re supposed to do.
Hearts break.
Parents die.
Colleagues forget favours.
Careers end. BUT …
Sisters are there, no matter how much time and how many miles are between you. A girl friend is never farther away than needing her can reach.
When you have to walk that lonesome valley and you have to walk it by yourself, the women in your life will be on the valley’s rim, cheering you on, praying for you, pulling for you, intervening on your behalf, and waiting with open arms at the valley’s end.
Sometimes, they will even break the rules and walk beside you … or come in and carry you out.
Girlfriends, daughters, granddaughters, daughters-in-law, sisters, sisters-in-law, mothers, grandmothers, aunties, nieces, cousins, and extended family, all bless our life! The world wouldn’t be the same without some, and neither would I.
When we began this adventure called womanhood, we had no idea of the incredible joys or sorrows that lay ahead. Nor did we know how much we would need each other.
The 6th annual Chocolate Fest and Silent Auction will be led in support of the sexual assault centre in Hamilton, SACHA. Tickets are $25 and a group of Soroptimists will be meeting at the main doors of LIUNA Station at 5:30 on Thursday February 11. See you there!
Many Thanks to the Soroptimist who participated in the Walk for Memories on January 31. The highlight of the morning activities was 6 of us trying to cram into a 2ft x2ft photo box in the mall for a group picture. Thanks Janet for funding the venture, too bad the pictures didn’t work out - we got Shirley’s hair and Jane’s shirt. Marg and Judi how did you escape the picture with Mayor Fred? Anyway, we had lots of pics taken by SNAP for the March magazine.
Off the Wall? Yes, maybe!
Daffers with Mayor Fred
Walk for Memories
The Alzheimer Society raised over $32,000 today with the help of our club. Thanks everyone for another fun adventure.
Has it affected you?
Alzheimer Disease and other Dementias touch millions of people in North America. It not only affects the person with the disease, but also their families and friends. I walk every year in Memory of my Mother, who had Alzheimer Disease for 25 years and my father, who developed Vascular Dementia from suffering several strokes and later developed a mild Alzheimer Dementia, which is also known as Mixed Dementia. Four of my mother’s siblings developed Alzheimer Disease in their early 60’s. My family and my cousins all know the increased risks involved for us, with having immediate family members diagnosed with Alzheimer Disease. I walk to alert the public to this Disease and the “Title Wave” of increased incidence of Dementias that will be diagnosed as the population in this county ages. After age 65, one of ever 11 persons will develop the disease. After age 85, one in every 3 persons will contract the disease. We still are not close to a cure. Contrary to popular believe, Alzheimer Disease is not just a disease of older persons. With heightened awareness of early detection, we are now seeing people diagnosed in their 40’s and 50’s! I walk to support the programs that are offered to caregivers, who desperately need the respite. I walk to raise awareness for the disease. I walk to get funding for more research. I walk to support those, who are living with this disease and to support their families. - Barb McCoy
Our Dad has dementia. After a debilitating stroke in June 2008, he has crawled back and continues to work hard. He no longer can walk or speak. Advanced dementia and Parkinson has made mobility and conversation is a thing of the past. Every month we see a further deterioration. For the past six months, although he still recognizes our two boys, his grandsons, he now can’t remember their names. The little things become milestones and time very precious. - Judi Partridge
Dementia in the news:
The Virtual Dementia Tour, a hands-on tool aimed at educating professionals who spend their days working with seniors, helps employees to better understand what it is like to suffer from a form of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. Read more »
McMaster University will be a key partner in a $1-million research project to improve support for people living with dementia. Read more »
Registration for Soroptimist’s 41st biennial convention is now open! Click here to get everything you need to plan an incredible trip. Register online now »
Gear up for the experience of a lifetime. Laugh and learn with Soroptimists from around the world. Explore the wondrous “city by the bay,” which is full of rich culture and amazing sights. Check out this video to witness the fun you don’t want to miss!
SIA is also accepting advertisements and/or greetings for the 41st Biennial Convention program. Due to limited space, ads/greetings will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. All ads/greeting order forms must be received, along with payment, at headquarters by March 15, 2010. Contact SIA-HQ for more information on pricing, file sizes, etc.
Soroptimist, coined from the Latin "soror" and "optima" (the best for women), was founded in 1921 in Oakland, California. Eighty women in professions that included medicine, laboratory technology, education and printing formed the first Soroptimist club to "foster the ideals of service".
A Soroptimist is a leader in her community. She believes that by joining with other women and engaging in awareness, advocacy and action in the service of her community and society, she can make the world a better place for humankind.
Soroptimist International comprises four federations in over 125 countries and territories throughout the world.
