AWS International Women's Group

Our Charities

Each year, AWSurrey International Women's Group carefully selects charities to partner with, aiming to make a significant impact in our community and beyond. For the 2024-2025 club year, we are proud to sponsor the following charities:

1. The Meeting Room - https://www.themeetingroom.org.uk

The Meeting Room is focused on meeting the needs of vulnerable individuals in Mole Valley and Epsom & Ewell in Surrey. Many of their clients are lonely, have mental health, addiction or learning difficulties, or are in real need due to the current cost of living crisis, or as a result of family/relationship breakdown or other issues including homelessness. The Meeting Room Is focused on not only meeting the immediate needs of vulnerable people, but also working with them to reach a more stable and sustainable lifestyle and endeavouring to ensure that they do not return to their previous difficulties.

2. Elmbridge CAN - https://www.elmbridgecan.org.uk

Elmbridge CANis a community, volunteer-powered, non-party political charity, based in Elmbridge, Surrey, UK. The organization aims to build a culture of welcome to refugees within the local community, and works to achieve the settlement of more refugees in the Borough of Elmbridge. Elmbridge CAN provides grants, material donations and activities and services that promote social inclusion and well being among refugees and asylum seekers.

3. FAWCO - https://www.fawco.org

FAWCO, the Federation of American Women's Clubs Overseas, is a network comprising 64 member clubs across 34 countries. This partnership allows the organization to extend their philanthropic efforts not only locally but also on an international scale. FAWCO's Foundation is dedicated to advancing charitable, scientific, and educational programs, and advocating for the rights of women and children worldwide.

The Meeting Room is a registered charity operating in the Mole valley and Epsom areas. The charity was founded in 2014 by Graham Peddie MBE, who was a leading advocate for assisting the most vulnerable people in our community.

Our clients are of all backgrounds and ages and our focus is to provide meaningful support to those with a wide variety of issues including homelessness, poverty, physical or mental health difficulties, breakdown of relationships, social exclusion and loneliness and issues with alcohol or drugs.

For more information check their website https://www.themeetingroom.org.uk

Elmbridge CAN aims to build a culture of welcome for refugees and asylum seekers within Elmbridge and to facilitate the settlement of more refugees in the Borough. The charity was established in 2016, in response to the Syrian crisis. Some 25 families, primarily from war-torn areas of the Middle East, have made their homes in Elmbridge, supported by the charity. In Autumn 2021, over 200 evacuated Afghans arrived and were temporarily accommodated at a local hotel. In spring 2022, dozens of Ukrainians began to arrive; a total of 500 to 600 may be settled with us by the time you read this. As a consequence, Elmbridge CAN has had to grow very quickly, and at the time of writing has over a hundred volunteers and four paid staff. This growth will inevitably continue as war and terror engulf many parts of the world and we in Elmbridge are able, fortunately, to provide safe haven.

As the name implies, this charity shows what people in the local community CAN do, when they simply feel compelled to do something. And the rewards for all, as fellow human beings, are enormous

For more information check their website www.Elmbridgecan.org.uk

FAWCO Partnership

FAWCO (Federation of American Women's Clubs Overseas) serves as an umbrella organization for American and international clubs worldwide, including AWS, proudly one of its 64 member clubs across 34 countries. Both FAWCO and its philanthropic arm, The FAWCO Foundation, are incorporated 501(c)(3) organizations.

The FAWCO Foundation

The FAWCO Foundation is the philanthropic ‘heart’ of FAWCO and is dedicated to supporting charitable, educational, and scientific programs. Through initiatives like Development Grants and Education Awards, it empowers member clubs like AWS to contribute meaningfully to global causes.

AWSurrey's Commitment

While AWS has a strong tradition of supporting local charities, our international membership recognizes the importance of making a global impact. For years, we have sponsored a FAWCO Development Grant, AWSurrey Hope Through Education, to promote educational opportunities worldwide.

Get Involved

FAWCO and the FAWCO Foundation jointly work towards a multi-year program that brings critical global issues to the attention of FAWCO clubs, their members and to the world. Explore guidelines, eligibility information, applications, and nomination forms on their main website or The FAWCO Foundation's website. The AWS Board includes a FAWCO Representative who acts as a vital link, coordinating communications and organizing fundraising efforts to support FAWCO's philanthropic projects.

If you have any questions, contact fawco@awsurrey.org

For more information, please go to their websites www.fawco.org and www.fawcofoundation.org

Thank-you to our sponsors!

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