Events to aid those in poverty (From Swindon Advertiser)

Events to aid those in poverty

4:30pm Wednesday 13th February 2013 in News By Emma Dunn

DESPITE being on crutches after an ankle operation, Ellen Woollaston-Cooper is putting her best foot forward to raise £2,000 for women living in poverty across the globe.

Ellen, of Royal Wootton Bassett, has organised a series of events for Oxfam’s Get Together campaign for International Women’s Day.

The 36-year-old first got involved in the project last year and enjoyed it so much that she decided to get involved again on a much bigger scale.

She said: “I first heard about the Oxfam Get Together last year and expressed an interest in hosting a coffee morning at home.

“But after the generosity of many local and Facebook businesses I ended up organising a craft fair which raised a fantastic £852 for Oxfam’s women’s projects. This year I’m aiming higher.

“To mark International Women’s Day for 2013, I want as many people as possible from Royal Wootton Bassett to get involved. We have a lot of things going on that everyone can enjoy, so please show your support for this wonderful cause and Get Together with your friends to make a difference to women around the world.”

The campaign – and the events taking place in Royal Wootton Bassett – raises money for Oxfam’s work transforming the lives of women around the world who are experiencing poverty, discrimination, domestic violence and a lack of education. Oxfam helps women reclaim their rights and make their voices heard.

This year, Ellen is hoping to raise £2,000 to support the projects that Get Together helps to fund, such as training birthing attendants in Ghana to help tackle high maternal mortality rates and training female farmers in poverty to become entrepreneurs so they can earn sustainable livelihoods for their families and communities.

Ellen will be hosting a pamper party and gift fair on International Women’s Day, on March 8, at 7.30pm in the Phoenix Bar, in Royal Wootton Bassett.

Entry is free and raffle tickets are available on the night, as well as in several shops on the high street before the event.

On March 12, a needle-felting workshop will be held in the town’s Bowls Club in Tanners Close, hosted by Wiltshire sculptor Jenny Barnett. Spaces are limited and can be booked by emailing Ellen.

On March 13, the town’s Costa Coffee shop in Borough Fields will host a quiz with a difference.

Teams of a maximum of five people are invited to come along and join in the fun, with a cash prize on offer. Teams must be registered at Costa.

Anyone who wants to host their own Get Together can receive a free fundraising pack by visiting www.oxfam.org.uk/get-together/ register-now.

For details about Ellen’s events email ellen.woollastoncooper@gmail.com.