Soroptimist aid for global disasters


Soroptimists across the globe spring into action when disasters occur, helping fellow members with their own problems as well as initiating fundraising and direct action projects to provide useful assistance. Providing funding directly through sister clubs around the world is a marvellous way of helping in a secure and targeted way.


One of thousands of damaged buildings in Christchurch


Christchurch earthquake The most recent major natural


disaster was the earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand on February 22nd, when 166 people died. 122 are still missing (to date) and thousands sre seriously hurt. Soroptimists in New Zealand have had many enquiries about helping those affected by the devastation. Women are particularly vulnerable as they cope without water, power and sewerage and with damaged homes, while trying to look after their families and the elderly. The colours of Christchurch are red and black. New Zealanders have been sporting these colours in their fundraising efforts; they are strong colours and the people of Christchurch are strong too, but they badly need help, both emotionally and financially. Soroptimists are urged to continue


is going to sleep in her own room again answered, ‘When I go back to school.’ I repeat, we will get through this… keep thinking positive thoughts.” Soroptimists have so far, donated AU$11,000 to SIWSP HQ in Sydney. For more information contact hq@siswp.org


Haiti earthquake In the year since the devastating earthquake in Haiti, the SIE fund, with donations from all over the world, has financed projects in and around Port-au-Prince totalling more than US$130,000.


with its important paediatric ward. The main building is virtually uninhabitable. Nevertheless, some 1,200 children were born here between October and December 2010. ‘Blankets and nappies for newborn babies’ is a first-aid project aimed at helping the women give birth to their babies. The 230 medical kits assembled and distributed by SI Port-au-Prince contain everything needed for a new baby. The initial project was sponsored by


a generous donation from SIA, and Christoph von Toggenburg and his Bike for Help Foundation helped with a second donation.


babies and children have to be treated in a field hospital or in huts. The paediatric service treats 150 children per week coming from surrounding camps. SIE continues to finance equipment for this hospital.”


their fundraising efforts as the reconstruction of the city begins. Maureen Lough President, SI Christchurch, says: “Much has been achieved and many residents and business owners have been able to return to retrieve possessions. SI Christchurch has established that most of our older members have moved to other parts of the country to be with their families. Those still here keep in close touch so hopefully will identify any assistance needed relatively quickly. Many stories of survival and great


heroism are beginning to emerge and we all know ‘someone who knew someone’. A two minutes silence was observed nationwide on the Tuesday – one week to the minute after the quake; where I was, the cicadas all stopped their cacophony, which gave a very eerie feeling to a very poignant moment.


moved to one of Recovery but it is hoped that the death toll may be a little less than feared. There is still a tremendous spirit here and a determination to get up and running as quickly as possible. Our 6 year old granddaughter, when asked when she


TIS March 2011 Page 10 Sadly the Rescue Operation has now


Red Toxic sludge in Hungary In October 2010, red toxic sludge


Roswitha Ott, SIE Project Manager, Africa and the Caribbean reports: “The orphanage Notre Dame des Victoires in Port-au-Prince is home to about 30 children and babies. Managed by Sister Véronique and four young women, the three-room building survived the earthquake but was seriously damaged. Thanks to donations collected in Switzerland the floors can be redone and healthier food purchased for the children, who also received christmas gifts from SI Port-au-Prince. With the outbreak of cholera in Haiti,


members of SI Port-au-Prince immediately went to Carries, near Saint-Marc, where the disease had started, to inform the population about contamination and prevention. They also took drinking water and medical kits for 65 families. The earthquake heavily hit General Hospital in Port-au-Prince (HUEH)


from an industrial site destroyed several villages in Western Hungary, claiming 10 lives and leaving hundreds homeless. SI Budapest has been working to help the victims and will contribute to building a kindergarten.


With the hospital so devastated, many


Erzsébet Varsányi, SI Budapest, reports: “We have raised a significant sum of money from Soroptimist donations - mostly from Europe but also from some


Katalin Juhos on behalf of President


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12