Anne Melly, president of Mullingar and District Soroptimist, and Cllr Aoife Davitt, mayor of Mullingar, planting a tree to mark the 30th anniversary of the group.

Mullingar Soroptimists celebrate 30th anniversary

Published: Sat 4 Dec 2021, 3:31 PM

Last updated: Sat 4 Dec 2021, 3:34 PM

Mullingar and District Soroptimist celebrated their 30th anniversary with tree planting ceremony in Mullingar Town Park and the presentation of cheques to local charities.

On Friday last, November 26 the Soroptimists were joined by the mayor of the Municipal District of Mullingar Kinnegad, Cllr Aoife Davitt, and Ministers Robert Troy and Peter Burke for the tree planting.

This year is also the centenary year of Soroptimists International, a worldwide organisation for women who work for peace and, in particular, to improve the lives of women and girls.

Over the years Mullingar Soroptimists have worked on initiatives that have helped to contribute to the empowerment and education of women and girls locally. Through many of those, funds have been raised to support the work of local charities that in turn support the most vulnerable in society.

Like for all volunteer groups, the last two years have been particularly challenging for the Soroptimists, as much of the work involves face to face contact with the community. Notwithstanding that, a total of €7,000 was raised via GoFundMe and generous donations from community businesses and members of the public.

Those efforts culminated in the presentation of cheques to two local charities at the tree planting ceremony on Friday: Michael Donoghue received a cheque for €3,500 for the St Vincent De Paul Society and Terry McCague received a cheque for €3,500 for TEAM.

Mullingar Soroptimists wish to express their heartfelt thanks to all in the local community that have continued to support their work over the years and contributed so generously to the many fundraising efforts.

Thanks were also extended to Westmeath County Council, who have supported the work of Soroptimists and partnered with them for a number of environmental and community developments.

The outdoor tree planting ceremony held in very inclement weather conditions will hopefully be a precursor to a more inclusive community celebration of the 30th anniversary sometime in 2022, said Anne Melly, president of Mullingar and District Soroptimist.