Violence Against Women

In 2003 SI Cambridge adopted Haven House, our local women's shelter, as its primary project for 4 years. This is a shelter for women and children who are victims of domestic violence. The club committed to decorating and furnishing a bedroom at Haven House. The room is finished and is being well used. The current project that SI Cambridge has committed to is to refurbish the large family room. Phase one consisted of replacing the family room floor. A raffle, entitled From the Floor Up, raised sufficient funds for the installation of a new hardwood floor. Phase 2 and 3 consists of decorating and refurnishing this room to become a multipurpose room. In October 2004, SI Cambridge was selected by the Mayor of Cambridge to host the 'Mayor's night out at the movies' event, and all net proceeds will go towards completion of phases 2 and 3.

High School Graduation Awards

An monetary award of is presented to a female student from each of the 8 High Schools in our city. The award recognizes the student’s contribution to school life and her community. The recipient is selected by the staff at her school and has been accepted into either a college or university program. (Education)

Violet Richardson Award

SI Cambridge received 6 applications in 2004. The recipient of this award received a cheque for $250. as well as a framed certificate, and a gold framed glass star. This award recognizes the student's contribution to volunteering with an organization in the community.

Women’s Opportunity Award

Out of 6 eligible applicants, the recipient was awarded a cheque for $1000, a glass candle vase, and framed certificate. Her name was submitted by the club to the Eastern Canada regional competition and she placed second and received $3000.

Making a Difference for Women

SI Cambridge has submitted the names of two women for the Making a Difference for Women recognition program. June Anderson has been submitted in the Women Helping Women category and Paddy Hardman in the Women of Distinction category. (Education, Health, Social and Economic Development, Human Rights/Status for Women)

Donations

SI Cambridge allocated the remaining non-committed funds to the following:

• Child Witness Program
• REVIVE
• Elizabeth Fry
• Cambridge Community BF Gp
• VOICE for hearing impaired Children     

Breast-feeding

Although the Breast-feeding Support Site closed in July 2002, SI Cambridge has continued to partner with other agencies in providing educational activities related to the promotion of Breast-feeding. Funds were donated this year to the Breast-feeding support site at the local shopping center. (Health, Social and Economic Development, Education, Human Rights/Status for Women)

Small Steps to Success

A new project adopted by SI Cambridge is the Small Steps to Success program. This program provides stimulus and assistance to women who are either trying to get back into the workforce or finish/continue with their education. Support is offered the women concerning resume writing, interview skill, self-esteem, confidence building, etc. Often the women are ready to make an application to college or an apprenticeship, or need new clothes that are “interview appropriate” but cannot financially afford to do so. In November 2003, SI Cambridge established a “Small Steps Bursary” to assist the financial need of some of the women in the program and allow them to take their next step. (Social and Economic Development, Education, Human Rights/Status for Women)

Soroptimist International

Funds were collected from the members for the S.I. President’s December 10th Appeal: The Dignity Program in Paraguay. (Social and Economic Development, Education, Human Rights/Status for Women, International Goodwill and Understanding)

Foundations

The club donated to both the Soroptimist Foundation of Canada and the Soroptimist International Foundation. (Economic and Social Development, Human Rights/Status of Women)

Second Stage Housing:

Again our Flagship local project continues to be our four transitional homes in partnership with Second Stage Housing. Thanks to the Making a Difference Grant in 2002-2003 we were able to refurbish, purchase needed furniture e.g. bunk beds, large appliances and equipment plus re-equip our four units for women and children who are referred to Second Stage from our local women’s shelters. These women and children are victims of domestic violence and when they go into one of our units as a Second Stage unit they are in hiding. Our club continues to clean, paint, purchase linens, recarpet, receive donations and turn these units into comfortable secure homes. Since March 2003 we have redone our units a total of five times and we have housed 5 mothers and 9 children. In total since taking on this project in July 2000 we have housed 26 mothers and 52 children. None have gone back to their abusers. (Economic and Social Development,Education,Human Rights/Status of Women)

Christmas Food and Gift Hampers

Christmas Food and Gift Hampers were provided to the 4 Second Stage Families who occupy our 4 units. We provided age appropriate gifts for the children and mothers plus food vouchers to purchase food for Christmas Dinner. We spent $1000 on this project. In addition members of a local fire department group gave $200 for our families; $50 was given to each mother for her family. (Economic and Social Development, Human Rights/Status of Women)

New Choices Christmas Dinner

New Choices Christmas Dinner was once again provided by members of our club. We prepared and served a Christmas dinner on December 19, 2002 for young mothers and their children who are going through rehabilitation for drug and alcohol addiction. Most of the mothers are single and receive counseling and parenting programs while their children are cared for by staff at the centre. There were approximately 22 mothers and children and enough food for them to take home for Christmas day.

The Outbound Experience Program

The Outbound Experience Program is run by teachers at Waterdown District High School. Students from all over our area apply to take this very specialized environmental program during which the students receive 4 high school credits at the grade twelve advanced level. As part of this program, the students mentor grade 5 students from local schools in areas of the environment. This program is called “the Earth keepers”. We have given $500 this year towards the “Earth keepers” program. (Education & Environment)

Ancaster Community Centre Garden

Ancaster Community Centre Garden was very much a hands-on project where we planted a beautiful garden in front of our local community centre. This project was completed with a sign that told the public who had planted and cared for the garden. All flowers were provided by the City of Hamilton and members of the club watered and weeded the garden throughout the summer. (Environment)

Welcome Inn Community Centre

We also gave $1,500 to Welcome Inn Community Centre. This centre is located in a very poor area of Hamilton and provides programs to local residents including a teen program, food pantry, an after school children’s program, a senior’s outreach program, a women’s art therapy & crafts program and a men’s program.

Alzheimer’s Society

In addition we were informed of a “specific need” of the Alzheimer’s Society. They wanted to start a “Dine Out” program for Alzheimer’s patients. This program would allow the caregiver to have a night out while the Alzheimer’s patient would come for dinner and entertainment to the Alzheimer’s Society. We discussed this need and donated $1,000 to sponsor this program. It has been extremely successful and our name is printed on their pamphlet as sponsors of this program. (Education, Human Rights/Status of Women)

Women’s Opportunity Award:

$1000 was given to the local winner of our Club. (Education, Human Rights / Status of Women)

Violet Richardson Award:

$200 was given to the local winner of our Club. (Education)

Regional and International Projects:

Our ongoing Regional and International projects to which we donated money this year include Founders Pennies, The Soroptimist Foundation of Canada, President’s appeal, Quadrennial Project and our friendship grant.

Soroptimist International is an international service club whose membership is comprised of business and professional women. Program focus is "the best for women". Many of our service projects are evaluated based on this focus. Those listed below are some of the most recognizable in our community and for our membership. In addition to local service projects, SI Guelph sponsors two annual awards, where winners at the club level are given the opportunity to go on to compete at Regional and Federation levels. These awards are the Women's Opportunity Award (WOA) and the Violet Richardson Award (VR). Please contact us for further information.

Michael House

In 2004, SI Guelph took on the primary project of Michael House. This haven is a short-term home in Guelph for young women who need housing and support during their pregnancy. The agency provides a caring and supportive environment in a residential setting.

As Soroptimists, we felt the need to provide some care and loving to these young girls. We started by providing “gift bags containing toiletries, a journal and pen to write thoughts and feelings down as well as a cuddly Teddy bear with our Soroptimist logo on his T shirt. The young women who received these small tokens of love and support were thrilled to know that someone out there was thinking of their well being. We still give the bags and now have newly decorated one room in the house.

We support them with monetary means and hope to contribute to their upcoming “Capital Campaign” to locate a new larger facility. Michael House can house up to four women and their newborns up to 3 months of age in comfort and relative privacy but the need for a larger facility is definitely evident.

Diane Tyler from Michael House receiving the first cheque from President Georgina SI Guelph to help with purchase of much needed sundries and other supplies for Michael House.

Rosemarie Coombs, Executive Director from Michael House receiving the Second cheque from Vice President Sherree, SI Guelph to purchase a much needed new bed and frame for Michael House.

Women's Opportunity Award

The Women's Opportunity Award is available to any female head of household who is pursuing post-secondary education in order to better her life and the lives of her children. Applications for this award are available by contacting the club in the fall of each year. Winners receive a monetary award of $1000 from the Guelph club in April each year, and their submission is forwarded on to the SIA Eastern Canada Region for further judging. Regional awards are handed out at the Spring Conference held each year in late April/early May.

Violet Richardson Award

Honouring Young Women for Volunteer Action. This new award was launched at the SIA Federation Convention in Hawaii in July 2000. The Violet Richardson award recognizes young women ages 14-17 engaged in volunteer action within their communities or schools. The award is given to young women whose volunteer activities make the community and world a better place.

Edith G. Stephenson Award
Given At E.C. DRURY SCHOOL for the DEAF

Edith Stephenson was a strong supporter and advocate for empowerment of women and a superb role model for young women both in her personal and professional life.

Edith Stephenson was a very early member of the Soroptimist International Club of Guelph. At that time, she was the Clerk-Treasurer of the Township of Guelph, a very responsible position for a woman.

Edith was on the Committee that chose support of 'the deaf and hard of hearing" as the club's primary project. The club instituted a yearly scholarship award at E.C.Drury School for the Deaf, for a local female graduate going on to further education.

On Edith's death, the members of SI Guelph named the annual award in her honour and memory.

In 2004, the criteria of the Award was expanded to include male and female students from Guelph and Wellington County.

The award recognizes the student’s contribution to school life and the community. The recipient, who has been accepted into either a college or university program, is selected by the staff at the school. (Education)

Foundations

The club donates to both the Soroptimist Foundation of Canada and the Soroptimist International Foundation. (Economic and Social Development, Human Rights/Status of Women)

The Soroptimist Foundation of Canada annually offers four $7,500 grants to female graduate students in Canada to assist them with university studies, which will qualify them for careers that will improve the quality of women's lives. Examples include but are not limited to: providing services, providing legal counseling and assistance, counseling mature women entering or re-entering the labour market, counseling women in crisis, counseling and training women for non-traditional employment, and positions in women's centres.

Soroptimist International

Funds were collected from the members for the following programs: (Social and Economic Development, Education, Human Rights/Status for Women, International Goodwill and Understanding)} Founder’s day is on October 3. It was originally formed in Oakland, California on October 3, 1921. On this date annually, pennies are collected from SIA members ($0.04 for each member each year). These funds are known as “Founder’s Pennies”. The monies received are earmarked for The Soroptimist Foundation Service Fund.

2005 December 10th Appeal

SI President Lynn Dunning announced the December 2005 appeal: Soroptimists Roll Back Malaria. Soroptimist International will partner with the Roll Back Malaria Department of the World Health Organization to protect pregnant women and children living in the community of Zé, Benin, Africa against the scourge of malaria, a major cause of illness and death. In Benin, malaria causes more deaths among children under the age of five years than any other single infection. Every day in Benin, mothers face the unthinkable tragedy of losing a young daughter or son to a disease that should not kill anyone, because it is preventable and curable. The December 10th Appeal will provide insecticide-treated mosquito nets to pregnant women and families with young children. The nets cost just US$5.00 each and are highly effective prevention against malaria. Along with distribution of the nets, Benin’s Soroptimists will work with local health cadres to educate the women of Zé about preventing malaria, recognizing it when it strikes, and the importance of prompt treatment with effective medicines. Donations can be sent to SIAHQ marked for the appeal. (Unless specified by name, donations received prior to August 31st will go to the 2004 appeal, Children of Peace. Donations received after August 31st, go to the 2005 appeal.)

Past Appeals

• 2004 Children of Peace and the Ho Chi Minh City Youth Shelter
• 2003 Project for the People of Paraguay
• 2002: HIV/AIDS Continuum of Care in the Ukraine
• 2001: Building Peace Among Children
• 2000: Legacy of Learning
• 1999: Soroptimist Stop Traffic
• 1998: Women’s center in the Solomon Islands
• 1997: Education project in India
• 1996: Landmine removal in Angola

Quetzal Family Homes

Since our charter in 2003 we have been supporting Quetzal Family Homes (a building of 16 units from Second Stage Housing). We donate food to put in the cupboards. Members bring in items for the women at our monthly meetings. (Canned food, shampoo, toiletries etc.) We gave bags to each of the 16 mothers and their children containing cameras, gift certificates for developing the film and a photo album. We also supported a fundraising dinner for the Quetzal family homes. (Social and Economic development, Human Rights/Status of Women, education)

We have started to re-design a playground structure to replace the very old and unsafe equipment that is in the back yard of the housing units. We are planning on creating a safe and happy environment for the mothers and their children. Our club has involved community businesses in this endeavor and applied for a grant from SIA for this project. This is an ongoing project for completion within 2 – 3 years with gardening and planting starting in the spring.

Haldimand-Norfolk Women’s Centre

Our club has refurbished and painted the telephone room and created a quiet room for the women. (Provided furniture, drapes and accessories) We have also confirmed the refurbishing of two bedrooms in the shelter within the next year. This will entail painting, new beds, dressers and decorating. Our club has applied for “Grants for Women and Girls.”

Haldimand-Norfolk Children’s Aid Society

Our club gave the society a monetary donation this year. (Social and economic development)

Women’s Opportunity Award

Our club participated in the Women’s Opportunity award program and had a winner. (Education, Social and Economic development, Human rights/Status of Women)

Our club participated and had a winner for the Violet Richardson award program.(Education)

Founders Pennies

Our club submitted Founders Pennies to SIA.

Service Clubs of Simcoe Area

Our club participated in the yearly service club dinner and made a commitment to host the annual dinner next year.

Canadian Hope International

We are now supporting Clean Water and Vegetable Gardens for a village in Cambodia through Canadian Hope International. A donation has been give to supply a well for clean drinking water and water to irrigate vegetable gardens for four families in Cambodia.

McMaster Pediatric Hospital Intensive Care Quiet Room

This has been our major project and will be ongoing for several years. This Quiet Room will be comfortable and private place where doctors can discuss with parents, the condition and prognosis of their critically ill children. (Health, education)

Second Stage Service

Through this agency our club provides housing for abused women and their children. (Economic and Social Development, Human rights/Status of Women)

Out of the Cold Hamilton

This ministry provides free dinners to the disadvantaged during the winter months, and also provides overnight accommodation. We provided 3 club members for the clean up crew each Monday night and also made a cash donation to purchase much needed blankets for the overnight guests. (Economic, Good Will and Understanding)

Kid’s Help Phone

Several members participated in a bowlathon to provide funds for the agency. (Economic)

Hamilton Public Library

Our club donates to their summer reading program for children. (Education, and Social Development)

Wellwood Centre

We donated money for the Wellwood centre, and also had a guest speaker from the Wellwood centre come and talk to our club members. The Wellwood centre is a support resource program for people undergoing cancer treatment.

Economic and Social Development:

Women's Opportuntiy Award - Applications go out to Brock University, Niagara College, Mohawk College and McMaster University the winner receives a cheque and a certificate.

Violet Richardson Award - Applications go out to local High Schools and volunteer Agencies. The winner and her volunteer organization both receive a cheque, a certificate and are celebrated at a special dinner.

Education:

Bursaries available for a female secondary student two from Stoney Creek and one from Grimsby who is graduating and pursuing an education at college or university in a business or professional program.

Health:

We provide yearly financial support to the Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice.

A donation was made to the West Lincoln Palliative Care.

Human Rights/Status of Women:

We have been partnering with the YWCA of St. Catharines with hands on projects such as redecorating various rooms within two of their buildings. We have also supported them with financial assistance. This is one of our ongoing projects.

Martha House was our initial project that was focused on when our club was chartered. We remodeled a room there. Since then we support their Annual Golf Tournament, collect money at Christmas and give them different items, everything from soap, toilet tissue and toys to perfume.

Our Club has redecorated a large portion of Weslely Urban Ministries Centre on Queen St. in Hamilton.

We provide financial support to Women's Resource Centre of Beamsville/Smithville.

Our Club is involved with Second Stage Housing in Grimsby where we paint and clean, stock the cupboard, make sure the new family has enough dishes, towels, bedding etc. We try to make it a home. Our project was dubbed "Tender Loving Care" with a plaque in the apartment. We also support this family at Christmas donating food vouchers and gifts.

We are supplying St. Catharine's General Hospital, Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital and McMaster Medical Center with Comfort Kits to sexual and domestic assault victims. The Comfort Bags contain toiletries, kleenex, a Guardian Angel pin, Teddy Bear. If needed they are also supplied with a change of clothing. We want to make them feel like they are not alone. Our club has recently received a Making a Difference for Women grant valued at $3,000US which we are using, supplemented with our own funds, to supply "Comfort Kits" to three regional sexual and domestic assault centres. This third grant brings our total Making a Difference for Women grants received to $13,000US.

International Goodwill and Understanding:

We provide financial support to the SI Quadrennial Project 2003-2007: Project Independence, Women Survivors of War

The 2006 President's Appeal: Project Punjab Helping Girls into School

Limbs for Life: donation for prosthetic limbs for landmine victims via the Red Cross

Our club has been very busy this past year supporting many activities in our community, our country and our international world.

Women’s Opportunity Award

This year we awarded two deserving women in our community with $1500 each. The first place winner is Sheryl S., a single mother who is supporting her three teenage sons who all have serious developmental disabilities. She is presently enrolled in the Social Work program at Confederation College. Our second place winner is Patricia M., another single mother, who lost her home from bankruptcy due to her spouse’s gambling and alcohol addictions. She is now supporting two teenage children and completing a teaching degree at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay. (Economic & Social Development)

Violet Richardson Award

Our deserving winner of this special award is Erin K. who will receive a grant of $250. She volunteers at Thunder Bay Regional Hospital in the pediatrics department. (Education)

Secret Santa AIDS Family

Members generously donated many “Secret Santa” Christmas gifts to a single mother with HIV/AIDS and her two daughters. (Health)

Foster Child Sponsorship

We continue to sponsor a female child in Nicaragua in the amount of $225. (International Goodwill and Understanding)

Soroptimist Foundation of Canada

Our club again contributed $250.00 to SFC. (Education)

SI International Project Five-O

S.I Thunder Bay contributed $200.00.(International Goodwill and Understanding)

Canada World Youth Sponsorship

Financial support of $200.00 was given to Ashley Belanger of Thunder Bay who was traveling to Mozambique with the Canada World Youth Program to give assistance and to learn about other cultures. (International Goodwill and Understanding)

Thunder Bay Therapeutic Riding Association

This non-profit volunteer group provides valuable service to physically challenged, special needs children who benefit from the physical movement of horseback riding and who love the interaction with the animals and the volunteers at the farm where they ride. Our club donated $500.00 to this worthy cause. (Health)

Business in a Bag

Supplies for women in Cuba & Dominican Republic were collected to allow them the opportunity to start their own businesses. Five suitcases of supplies were delivered by local people who were vacationing in these destinations. (Human Rights/Status of Women)

Thunder Bay Spring Garden Seminars

Another successful fundraising project to provide funds for our new Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Center was organized. Along with the fundraising, we were able to educate the public on the benefits of gardens and trees in our environment. (Health & Environment)

Grandview Nursing Lodge “Walk Around the World”

In support of Grandview Lodge, a nursing home for elderly patients, members volunteered to walk residents around the Soroptimist International Friendship Gardens to enjoy the outdoor beauty of nature. (Health, Environment)

Habitat for Humanity House Construction

For the last few years members of S.I Thunder Bay have provided some food for the hardworking volunteers of the Habitat House build. We gave baking, fruit and personal cash donations. (Economic & Social Development)

Helen Marion Walker Soroptimist Women’s Health Research Scholarship

An annual postgraduate scholarship made possible by partnership between Sunnybrook and Women’s College Health Science Centre, the University of Toronto and Soroptimist International of Toronto. Based at the centre for Research in Women’s Health, this scholarship is intended to support the advancement of knowledge through research in women’s health.

www.crwh.org/resources/students.php#HMWS

An annual fellowship awarded to a student doing postgraduate studies in the area of gerontology.

The Immigrant Women Health Centre's Mobile Unit is a health clinic on wheels that travels to communities where immigrant and refugee women reside and work to bring them accessible health education and clinical services. The mobile unit was purchased (in 1981) because many immigrant women who needed services could not get to the Clinic. With the help of Soroptimists, Health Canada and other funders, the IWHC purchased and equipped a 35 foot mobile unit. Today, after 22 years of service, the IWHC is exhausted and in a state of total disrepair and must be urgently replaced! The IWHC has recently launched a campaign for a new Mobile Unit. The estimated cost of replacing, retrofitting and equipping the new unit is $300,000.00. The campaign is a partnership and collaboration between the community, business/corporate and non-profit sectors. The launch of the first mobile unit in 1981 was a groundbreaking breakthrough in the delivery of health care. We are excited to be working to continue to bring such innovation to immigrant and refugee women, and in doing so forge a new trail in health care.

Streethaven at the Crossroads:

The Haven is an emergency short-term shelter and drop-in centre. Women are provided shelter, food and clothing. They are also offered support and counselling. The Haven provides 24 hour support services.

A Cappella Services for Girls:

A Cappella provides support and counselling to young women experiencing difficulty with their families or school. The parent support program provides workshops for parents who wish to enhance their communications with their teens.

The Jean Tweed Centre:

The Jean Tweed Centre is an addiction treatment facility for women with alcohol/drug abuse concerns. The Child Development program offers both child care and support for women attending various out-patient services at the Centre.

Anduhyaun\Nekenaan\Awashishuck Day Care:

Anduhyaun is a housing project for abused native women and their children. "Anduhyaun" means "Our Home" in the Ojibway language. Nekenaan is an apartment building which provides long-term housing for the women after they leave Anduhyaun. SI Toronto received first place Human Rights\Status of Women Award for its work with the Anduhyaun project. Awashishuck Day Care is located within Nekenaan. SI Toronto provided funds for the Day Care and sleepwear, clothing, linens and appliances were collected and delivered throughout the year.