I am new to blogging, but I do realize that if you do not do it consistently, no one will read it and I am GUILTY!! So if you are reading this, THANK YOU!
But regardless, I am feeling Thankful this Thanksgiving day:
Thankful for family and friends that I am sharing this day with…
Thankful for the opportunity to walk in the Run to Feed the Hungry this morning -it was beautiful weather and I enjoyed walking with 27,000 other people contributing to the Sacramento Food Bank …
Thankful to be a Soroptimist!! Our members are so generous and caring. That’s why I am a member! Surrounding myself with other women (and men) that share the same mission, to improve the lives of women and girls…
Specifically, I wanted to update you all on the progress of the fund for victims of the Camp Fire. As of yesterday morning, we had in almost $18000 collected!!! You all rock! And I know that much more is on the way. As a reminder, the money will be split between the two clubs in Chico, who each have a committee to make sure the funds are spent in a judicious manner, making sure our members that have been displaced are taken care of first. I am so proud to be involved in this effort! The magnitude of the aid that is needed is immense and overwhelming! But
I know that our members will handle the pressure admirably!
The resources needed to get the thousands of people back on their feet is immense. Please check out this page from SI Chico’s website that lists all the resources available to them: www.soroptimistchico.org .
Please also see these letter of congrats from our SI and SIA presidents:
Dear Governor Lane,
Your SIA Board of Directors and staff are heartbroken by the recent wildfires in your region. Please know that we are thinking of our clubs and members in your region, and standing in solidary with you.
As you know, the SIA Board decided several years ago to discontinue our disaster relief program. Disaster relief is not our core business and we simply lacked the resources to undertake these efforts in a sustainable way throughout our 20 countries and territories. We recognize, however, that Soroptimists are generous, caring people. It’s in our DNA to want to help when we see people suffering. And we know often the desire is to help immediately.
With that in mind, we encourage our clubs and regions to donate to local organizations that serve women and girls. We know that women and girls are always more vulnerable during and after disasters. Domestic violence shelters, for instance, are often in great need post-disaster. Domestic violence rates increase during and after disasters, and shelters may be damaged or overwhelmed by new demand.
Should you decide to collect funds from your clubs, Lori Blair, SIA’s senior director of program services, can help ensure they will be going to an above-board organization capable of helping local women and girls in an expedient and meaningful way. Feel free to reach out to her: 215-893-9000 ext.114 or lori@soroptimist.org.
Also, please keep in mind that post-disaster need outlives the news cycle. Rebuilding after large-scale disasters, be it the wildfires in California or an earthquake in Japan, takes years and even decades. As an alternative to providing immediate funds, please consider encouraging clubs to apply for a Soroptimist Club Grant to fund a local post-disaster project benefiting women or girls. Or, increase the number of Live Your Dream Awards provided to eligible applicants who were affected by the disaster.
Again, please relay our best wishes to any clubs or members who have been affected by this horrible disaster. Our hearts and prayers are with them.
Warmly,
Elizabeth DiGeronimo, 2018-2019 President Soroptimist International of the Americas
And this from SI President Mariet:
Dear Federation President Elizabeth, dear Soroptimists,
The shocking news-flashes we get on television regarding the wildfires in California are devastating. So many lost their lives, so many are homeless, so many lost all their memories, so many are missing and so many are unaccounted for. It’s incomprehensible and hard to imagine.
My heart goes out to all people involved, all Soroptimists and their friends and families and the brave firefighters and their families. I cannot find the words to express a response to such a tragedy.
I can only say that my thoughts are with you and I pray for safety and speedy containment of the fires.
I wish you all courage and strength.
Kind regards,
Mariet
Mariet Verhoef-Cohen
President – Soroptimist International
