Women's concern

I read with great interest the article about the Soroptimist women's group raising money to rebuild homes in Aceh. This is a wonderful example of how women can band together to help one another and their communities.

I am actively involved with a group of professional women apprentices and journey-level commercial/residential plumbers. Here in California, women work in construction, same as the men do. We receive the same training, perform the same work and earn the same wages. I myself am a fifth year apprentice commercial plumber. I believe that my women colleagues and fellow union members would be interested in donating money and perhaps even volunteering our labor to help with this project.

The article did not mention a way to contact either the Soroptimist organization or Lily Kasoem. I would very much like to discuss possible donations with her or a representative of the group. If it's at all possible, please send me contact information.

DARCY CHOULEI, San Jose, U.S., sparkyfish333@yahoo.com

Note: Soroptimist International can be contacted by e-mail at

-- Editor