Looking your breast with JCI
Global network for young people calls for uplifting support

JCI members in Barnsley are calling on people to donate their unwanted undergarments in a massive show of support for a female charity campaign.

Leading by example, members will 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

Soraya Bowen, JCI Community Director 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.

Monica Keale explains, “The bras have given me the chance to stand on my own two feet. I have started my business and it helps me feed my family. The bras sell very well.”

JCI Barnsley will be collecting bras at events till the end of September.  To drop off your bra, please contact our Charity Director Emma will be able to tell you when your next event is. Just email jcibarnsley@hotmail.co.uk and put bra in the subject line!