JCI members in Mayo are calling on people to donate their unwanted undergarments in a massive show of support for a female charity campaign. Leading by example, members are shedding their outgrown or unused bras and these will be distributed to women in developing countries.
As well as being gifted to ladies who don’t own their own bra, they’ll also be used as stock, helping ladies start up their own market-stall businesses. Sub-standard bras will be recycled raising cash for Flamingo Foundation projects. You can find out more at www.flamingofoundation.org/bras Deborah MC Andrew, JCI Mayo president says:“We hope local ladies will get involved and show their support for their female counterparts around the world. There are thousands of unwanted bras that women have outgrown or got bored of, and we want to put them to good use.” She adds, “By donating old bras, people can help communities across the world in many practical ways and know that after the important support the bra has given them, it can go on to help someone else.”
The Bra Bank scheme is run by the Flamingo Foundation and each year around 20,000 bras are distributed. This includes to a community of ladies in Kisumu, Kenya – many of who are widowed having lost their husbands to HIV. Most work the land and care for their families without any physical support, so owning their own bra, or having the opportunity to set up a market stall using the bras as stock, is extremely welcome.
JCI will be collecting bras until November 28. Drop off points are available in Castlebar – Demure, Humbert Mall; Le Cheile, Linenhall St. Westport—Capelli Hair and Beauty. Manulla – Thursday Mother and Toddler Group. Belmullet – Venus Beauty Clinic. Collections available, call Deborah on 086 164 2639.
