Stop Domestic Abuse was delighted to be selected as Charity of the Year 2023/24 by District 11 of the Association of Inner Wheel Clubs in Great Britain and Ireland.
Thanks to members of the Inner Wheel Clubs across the District (Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, south east Dorset and Guernsey), nearly £3,000 has been raised in support of Stop Domestic Abuse’s Sanctuary Appeal. This appeal aims to raise funds to enable the charity to build a new purpose-built refuge for families escaping from domestic abuse.
Members of Inner Wheel Clubs were busy throughout the year, organising fundraising events and charity collections in support of the charity’s fight against domestic abuse in Hampshire.
“100 for 100”
To mark 100 years since the first meeting of the founders of Inner Wheel in November 1923, Members organised fundraising events on the theme of “100 for 100” with the Chair of the District swimming 100 sponsored swims in support of Stop Domestic Abuse.
Claire Lambon, CEO, said,
“Across Hampshire 1 in 4 women experience domestic abuse during their lifetime. And 1 in every 7 children, that’s 4 children in every classroom, will live with domestic abuse at some point in their childhood. Thanks to Inner Wheel District 11 and our other supporters, we provide safety, support and empowerment for women and children. On behalf of the Trustees and service users of Stop Domestic Abuse, I would like to extend warm thanks and best wishes to the Committee and Members of Inner Wheel District 11. Your support is helping to lay the foundations of the Sanctuary Refuge which will provide welcoming, safe accommodation to hundreds of women and their children in years to come.”
Not just fundraising
Monica Dillon, Inner Wheel District 11 Chairman 2023-24 said:
“Inner Wheel is a women only friendship organisation. Founded in 1924 in Manchester, it now has members in over 100 countries. Our District has 15 clubs in Hampshire, Isle of Wight, south west Dorset and Guernsey.
“Clubs meet regularly and are open to women who enjoy making friends and having fun while engaging in all sorts of social events, shared interests and activities such as walking, swimming, cookery, knitting and sewing, quizzes and active games such as skittles.
“Much of what we do seeks to raise money or collect useful items for local, national and international charities or to provide other types of support to local charities e.g. by members volunteering as cancer support workers, hospital visitors, court volunteers, reading with children in schools and so on.
“Stop Domestic Abuse was my District Chairman’s charity and besides the money we raised for that charity, we also sent 145 boxes of items to Ukraine for women on the front line. These are just two examples of the many efforts we made at club and district level for the benefit of others in need during our Inner Wheel Centenary Year.
“We welcome new members, so if you live in our district & are interested in joining us, please contact [email protected]”
News shared by Hannah on behalf of Stop Domestic Abuse. Ed
