Members of Soroptimist International of Paisley gathered to celebrate its 75th anniversary.
Renfrewshire Council put on the civic reception, hosted by Depute Provost Cathy McEwan, which was also attended by the President of Soroptimist International of Great Britain and Ireland, Cathy Cottridge and Scotland South Region President, Aileen Eland.
Many members of other clubs in Scotland South attended along with two members from Soroptimist International of Harrogate, with whom the Paisley Club have a longstanding friendship link.
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Formed in 1945, the women’s club is woven into the history of Paisley and its people, through 75 years of activity and fundraising.
Amongst the club’s 28 founding members were Catherine Lobnitz of the Renfrew shipbuilding family; Mary Russell, after whom the school in Paisley is named, and Catherine C. Stewart, press representative of the Paisley Daily Express.
The club has supported many projects and organisations over the years including the Over 70s Club in 1947, the first ever club for the elderly in the town, which ran until 1970.
Members have served meals to homeless people, served on the Local Health Council and were also on the committee which established the Accord Hospice.
Donations of money and goods were sent to help orphans in Romania, to sponsor a child in the Goodwill Children’s Village in Southern India and to Soroptimist projects in many parts of the world.
A spokesperson for the club said: “More recently members have been involved in raising awareness of human trafficking, and the need to prevent violence against women.
“We support Renfrewshire Women’s Aid and were marshals for the annual Reclaim the Night walk, held to mark the UN 16 days of action against violence against women.
“In 2020 during lockdown, we received recognition from Provost Lorraine Cameron for the Club’s outstanding contribution to the community in the face of adversity during a global pandemic.
“Despite having to move online in order to continue meeting, our members provided financial and practical help to the local community through groups such as Renfrewshire Foodbank, the STAR project and Renfrewshire Women’s Aid.
“In December 2021, a rowan tree was planted in the Peace Garden at Barshaw Park to mark the Centenary of Soroptimist International.
“The tree is also a sign of our optimism for the future, as we look forward, and continue to work to support women and girls to achieve their individual and collective potential.”
To find out more about the group and how to join, go to www.sigbi.org.uk/paisley
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