WINCHESTER Soroptimists have been busy raising money and awareness with market stalls and campaigns.

The Winchester members, who form part of a global volunteer service for women, raised nearly £400 at the Sunday Cattle Market car boot sale by collecting rent and selling items.

The group also took over the charity chalet at Winchester Christmas Market on Friday, November 24, making around £300 from selling bulbs, games, jigsaws and homemade items.

Hampshire Chronicle: The High Sheriff with the Mayor of WinchesterThe High Sheriff with the Mayor of Winchester (Image: Winchester Soroptimists)

Members spoke to the public about the Orange the World campaign to the public and were visited by two of their supporters: the High Sheriff of Hampshire, Amelia Riviere, and Mayor of Winchester, Councillor Angela Clear.

The campaign aims to end gender-based violence and domestic abuse against women and girls. It was launched on Friday, November 24 ahead of White Ribbon Day on November 25.

On Friday, both the Spinnaker Tower and Winchester Guildhall clock were lit up in orange to mark the start of the campaign which runs until Sunday, December 10. 

Hampshire Chronicle: Winchester Guildhall lit up in orangeWinchester Guildhall lit up in orange (Image: Winchester Soroptimists)

READ MORE: Winchester Soroptimists launch domestic violence campaign

Julie Blackwell, treasurer of Winchester Soroptimists, said: “It’s been a great week and the two events have boosted our funds for the Christmas period, enabling donations to our local charities in Winchester. The Orange campaign has also helped to raise awareness of what Soroptimists do and in particular, in Winchester.”

Hampshire Chronicle: The Orange CafeThe Orange Cafe (Image: Winchester Soroptimists)

The club ended the week with an Orange café, which is held 25th of every month in Projects café, in Kings Walk, from 10am to 12.30pm. Anyone is welcome to attend the monthly café and get involved in the Soroptimist projects.

Soroptimist International of Winchester and District Club supports the Women’s Refuge in Winchester, the Winchester Beacon and the Trinity Centre, along with lobbying government for women’s rights and many other projects in the UK and overseas, to help transform the lives of women and girls.

For more information email winchestersoroptimists@gmail.com.