SI of Surrey/Delta
Meeting Information
Date: Second Saturday of the month (September through June)
Time: 10:00am-11:30am
Please contact sisurreydelta@soroptimist.net for more info.
Email: bestforwomen2012@gmail.com for meeting locations
Since our charter in 1995, we have enjoyed a rich history of service projects, programs, and advocacy projects that have led to real change in our community (i.e.: we were instrumental in founding and launching SAS Surrey, a non-profit society that provided safe homes and learning centre for sexually exploited and/or human trafficked women, AND we founded, developed and delivered our “Totally Beautiful” program for young women affected by FASD).
We are proud members of the Surrey Board of Trade and BC Provincial Council of Women. These alliances engage us with exceptional women in business and community and create partnerships to help us better serve women and girls. We also sit on many community committees to stay informed on current women’s issues and to promote our Soroptimist service to our community.
We believe in our Soroptimist core values: GENDER EQUALITY–Women and girls live free from discrimination. EMPOWERMENT–Women and girls are free to act in their best interests. EDUCATION–Women and girls deserve to lead full and productive lives through access to education. DIVERSITY AND FELLOWSHIP– Women from varied backgrounds and perspectives work together to improve the lives of women and girls. ALL our programs and projects reflect these values.
Our awards programs
Live Your Dream: Education and Training Award for Women: This is the signature program of Soroptimist. This cash award assists women who serve as primary wage earners for their families with financial resources to offset costs associated with higher education or additional skills/training.
Ruby Award: Honors women of Surrey/Delta who work to improve the lives of women and girls through their professional and/or volunteer work. The recipient receives a plaque and cash award to the community charity of her choice.
Violet Richardson Award: This award is presented to a high school girl who volunteers and gives back to her community. The recipient receives one-half of a cash award, with the other half going to the charity of her choice.
Making Dreams PAWS-able Award: This award is a partnership with Trenant Park Pet Clinic (Delta) that will aid women who face economic and personal hardships and are seeking to gain skills, training and education in the Veterinary field. One award for a Veterinary Assistant and one award for a Veterinarian.
Our annual events
Dream It, Be It: Dream It, Be It: Career Support for Girls Conference: Targets girls in secondary school who face obstacles to their future success. This annual conference provides girls access to professional role models, career education, inspiring speakers, forums, and the resources to live their dreams. This event is fully funded through the generous sponsorships of the Soroptimist Foundation of Canada, Kwantlen Polytechnic University (Surrey Campus), the NEVR Committee, and countless donations of food and prizes from local businesses and organizations (visit our website for a complete list of sponsors). SAVE THE DATE for our next Dream It, Be It Girls Conference – Saturday, January 21, 2023 – Watch for further information
Live Your Dream Awards Fundraising Gala: Celebrating women in our community who are changing their lives and working to change the lives of other women and girls. Keynote speakers, entertainment, awards, cheque presentations to deserving community organizations serving women and girls (through the financial support of gaming funds by the Province of BC, fun, food, door prizes, networking, and so much more! Each year, we attract new sponsors and community donations of prizes, table sponsorships, and financial support to host this event (sponsors listed on our website). http://www.soroptimistsurrey-delta.org
Our member-driven projects
Baby Layettes: Supplied and distributed by SI Surrey/Delta members to refuge moms and single moms who are returning to school and/or need assistance with their new babies.
Mastectomy Pillows: Handmade pillows created by the Peace Portal Alliance Church sewing group to be given to women at the Cancer Centre.
Personal Care Kits: No Barriers. PERIOD—Launching our new period poverty project to provide free menstrual products to local public facilities. Visit our FB page for more info: https://www.facebook.com/NoBarriers.PERIOD
Kenya Project— We have created a Friendship Link with a new club in Nairobi, Africa. We provide reusable Menstrual Hygiene products to Soroptimist International of Nairobi to distribute to girls without access to menstrual products. To date, 25 5pairs of shoes and 450 feminine hygiene kits have been received in Kenya.
We have contributed over $600,000 over the past 25 years, as well as many club volunteer hours, on behalf of local Surrey/Delta organizations and projects that support our mission, including the various women’s organizations in our community that we support through our BC Gaming Grant (visit our website for more info). We also participate in international projects identified by Soroptimist International as critical programs and projects affecting women worldwide.
We have received numerous awards!!
• Soroptimist International of the Americas – TWO Membership Growth Awards 2018
• Soroptimist Western Canada Region – Fundraising Award 2016
• Soroptimist International of the Americas – Fundraising Award 2016
It is our members who drive our success. Countless hours are spent planning, organizing and hosting events, planning programs, reaching out to our community, and having fun! As we welcome new members, we welcome their fresh ideas, passion, and commitment to helping us remain the best OF women as we carry out our mission to be the best FOR women.