This in from Sherie at the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance. In her own words. Ed
Today (Thursday 26th May 2011) is Bag A Bra Day. This is perhaps one of the most unusual charity fundraising ideas so far.
Do you have bras which you no longer need? Rather than throw them away, why not donate them to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.
You might wonder why they would want them, and here is why.
Recycling raises cash for charity
Like most textiles, bras can be recycled to raise much needed funds for the charity. But better than that, they are worth a great deal more than ordinary textiles, and once they have been sorted and distributed, they are sold on to women in West Africa who can seldom afford new bras.
This is not only good for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, but also allows West African women the opportunity to buy and wear bras which can help them in many ways, including increasing their self esteem.
Many companies, groups and individuals around the county are involved in Bag a Bra Day each year and have invented clever ways to collect the bras, such as Colden Common WI, who delivered their bras to HIOWAA in a decorated Veolia truck!
Donations from all over the World
Donations of bras are coming in from as far away as Wales, and New Zealand! Bag a Bra day happens every year to highlight the campaign to collect bras, but Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance collect them all year round.
John Perry, CEO of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance said, “This is a fantastic initiative which is so worthwhile, and has advantages for us all. Our recycling partners Bag It Up, have arranged for these bras to be sent out to Africa, and we are very pleased to be able to do something for others, whilst raising funds to help keep your Air Ambulance flying and saving lives.
“Please help by bagging up all your unwanted bras and placing them in one of our yellow recycling banks, and we can give you the location of your nearest bank. We will also send you one of our pink bra bags to put them in. Don’t worry if you can’t do this now, as we will continue to collect bras throughout the year. Thank you ladies, for all your ‘support’.”
