Soroptimist International President Ann Garvie has been forced to postpone her skydive due to health issues, but is determined to fulfil her commitment to take to the skies for "See Solar, Cook Solar". 

President Ann explains:  "As many of you will know, my New Year’s Resolution for 2014 was to skydive to raise funds for my December 10th Appeal, ‘See Solar, Cook Solar’. Notwithstanding my fear of heights, I agreed to take to the skies on 15th June and all the arrangements were in place. That is, we thought they were. Last week I visited my doctor to receive the necessary piece of paper, declaring me fit, not pregnant and permitted to jump. It has been many years since I have needed medical attention, so imagine my surprise and horror when I was told that on no account would I be strapping on my parachute this month, due to a diagnosis of high blood pressure! "

 "I have been deeply touched by the support that I have received from Soroptimists around the world in the form of messages and sponsorship for the skydive, and I am determined not to let you down, nor indeed those women and girls who will benefit from solar energy as a result of our Appeal. So now my challenge is a double one – first I will be following my doctor’s orders and bringing my blood pressure down to safe levels, and then I will carry out the skydive. Instead this weekend I shall attend and present at the Nordic Forum in Malmo Sweden, ‘New Action on Women’s Rights’ and fly home on 15th June 2014, …….. watch this space!!!"

In January, President Ann announced that she would  take to the skies to raise funds for See Solar, Cook Solar,
her December 10 Appeal to provide solar lamps and cookers to women and
girls around the world, while providing education about renewable
energy. The initial Soroptimist projects to be supported by the appeal
will provide solar lamps to help schoolgirls complete their studies in
Zambia and empower women in rural areas of Fiji by providing solar
cookers.  

Read more about the See Solar, Cook Solar Appeal.