Inspiring action and creating opportunities

INSPIRATIONAL SOROPTOMISTS... Mary Gilberto, Jeanette Berry and Margaret Webster with a selection of masks they have sewn. Photo: Stephanie Holliday.

THE name Soroptimist was coined from the Latin ‘soror’ meaning sister and ‘optima’ meaning best.

Soroptimists inspire action and create opportunities to transform the lives of women and girls by advocating for equity and equality, creating safe and healthy environments, increasing access to education and developing leadership and practical skills for a sustainable future.

Soroptimist International of Shepparton Inc have put their wonderful sewing skills to use and have managed to raise over $8,000 by selling masks through a stall set up in Shepparton’s GMCU branch. 

GMCU has been serving the needs of its members for over 65 years. In 2019, GMCU undertook a customer research activity to understand how it could continue to support members and the community. Based on the feedback provided, GMCU recently unveiled a new look and feel that better reflects the products and services it offers.

Requiring masks for the launch, GMCU naturally turned to the Soroptimists who produced around 70 masks in only three days. Thanks to the outstanding efforts of six members of the group, GMCU staff all wore orange face masks to coordinate with the new look brand. 

The funds the Soroptimists raise are put back into our local community to achieve the international group’s main objectives including human rights, global peace, international goodwill, advancing women’s potential, integrity and democratic decision making, volunteering, diversity and friendship.