Economic and Social Development

Education

Environment

Health

Human rights/Status of Women

International Goodwill and Understanding

Soroptimist International Naas Newbridge and District Projects

Some of the recent projects carried out by SI Naas Newbridge and District are:

1. St.Brigid’s Hospice, The Curragh, Co Kildare. (Health)

Why?

A club member, Theresa O'Doherty was instrumental in setting up the hospice movement in Co Kildare and West Wicklow in 1987. Since then all club presidents and members have been involved in working for the hospice.

How?

Initially the hospice ran from a few rooms set aside in the Drogheda Memorial Hospital on the Curragh. At that time, we provided the homely touches to the rooms-nice curtains, wardrobes and so on, through sponsorship from local businesses and our own efforts. Over the years we have provided equipment such as, syringe drivers, hoists, specialised beds and much more. Golf Classics. Four Ball Competitions, Gala Balls, Art Exhibitions, Auctions, Theatre Nights and Concerts are among some of the events used to raise funds.
The official opening of the purpose built St.Brigid’s Hospice, on the 1 February 2004, St.Brigid’s Day, was a very special one for all of us. An altar, bearing the name SI Naas Newbridge and District is now in place in the prayer room.

Results and Recommendations

When the need for hospice care was identified in our area, our club adopted it as a long term project. Over E350,000 has been raised by SI Naas Newbridge and District so far. We intend to continue our support.

2. Christmas help for those in need in our local community. (Economic and Social Development, Human Rights/Status of Women)

We run a Christmas fund to raise funds for local needs.

3. We respond to requests for International disasters (Human Rights/Status of Women, International Goodwill and Understanding)

We send donations through the International links of our organization. We may decide to continue supporting a project after the disaster has passed.

4. New National Project 2006-2008 / Rehabilitation Centre

The Rehabilitation Centre in Dun Laoghaire is the current National Project. Clubs throughout the country are working to raise funds for new facilities.

Soroptimist International Naas Newbridge & District will contribute to this project by fundraising at various events.The first fundraiser was at a luncheon in June.

5. Project Independence Women Survivors of War

This project run in partnership with Women for Women International is the current International Project.

Soroptimist clubs throughout the world will work on this project for four years. It aims to help women survivors of war in Afghanistan, Bosnia and Rwanda to build new lives for themselves and their families. Project Independence works in three ways – Sponsorship, Renewing Women’s Life Skills, and Microcredit Lending.

How?

SI Naas, Newbridge and District have contributed funds to provide direct aid and to provide training in vocational and leadership skills. We have also applied to become Group Correspondents, and members are looking forward to writing letters to offer emotional support and to learning more about the lives of these women.

Results and Recommendations

Working together worldwide and in conjunction with Women for Women International, we will be able to help these women to gain self confidence and to become self sufficient. We feel this imaginative project is a very appropriate one for Soroptimists and fully support it.

A number of our members are now involved in corresponding with a number of the women participating in the scheme to offer support and friendship.