Club email: sisurreydelta@soroptimist.net
Club website: http://www.soroptimistsurrey-delta.org
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 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 own best interest. 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 to attaining 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 continually 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.
OUR ANNUAL EVENTS:
Dream It, Be It: Career Support for Girls Conference (November): Targets girls in secondary school who face obstacles to their future success. This annual conference provides girls with access to professional role models, career education, inspiring speakers, forums, and the resources to live their dreams. This event is fully funded through the generosity of Soroptimist Foundation of Canada, Surrey Fire Fighters Charitable Society, Commander Bob Marsh (Ret’d) Canadian Navy, and countless donations of food and prizes from local businesses and organizations (visit our website for complete list of sponsors).
Live Your Dream Awards Fundraising Luncheon (March): Celebrating women in our community who are changing their lives and working to change the lives of other women and girls. Keynote speakers, awards presentations, cheque presentations to deserving community organizations serving women & 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).
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 given to women at the Cancer Centre—fabric donated by Laura’s Fashion Fabrics and pillows made by the sewing group at Peace Portal Alliance Church.
Personal Care Kits: Donations of personal hygiene and care items provided to various organizations and women in the community.
We have contributed over $600,000 over the past 23 years, as well as many club volunteer hours, on behalf of local Surrey/Delta organizations and projects that support our mission. We also participate in international projects identified by Soroptimist International as critical programs and projects affecting women around the world.
We have won awards!!!
• Soroptimist International of the Americas – TWO Membership 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 program, reaching out to our community, and having fun doing it! As we welcome new members, we welcome their fresh ideas, their passion, and their commitment to helping us remain the best OF women as we carry out our mission to be the best FOR women.
We are always looking for new members to help empower the women and girls in our community! We meet once a month on the second Saturday (Sept. thru June), 10:00am – Noon. Please contact us at sisurreydelta@soroptimist.net for meeting locations or more info on what we do.
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Facebook – Soroptimist International of Surrey/Delta
Instagram – soroptimist_surrey/delta
Twitter – @SI SurreyDelta