Some of you may know that we are a proud supporter of the Uplift Project. We sat down with the Auckland co-coordinator Kate Hargraves to get the low-down on this amazing project.
“Can you tell us a bit about the Uplift Project?”
Women in disadvantaged communities are often short on life’s essentials, including underwear and especially bras. In some places, parts of the Pacific included, these undergarments are often unobtainable or unaffordable. But all around the world, in Auckland too, women are lending their support- literally! The Uplift Project collects new and second-hand bras and sends them to communities in need.
“Where do most of the bras collected in Auckland go to?”
Most go to the Pacific Islands- Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu.
“Are any of the donated bras distributed in New Zealand?”
Yes, as we like to care for girls and women in need anywhere. So any time we are asked for bras, we are happy to supply them.
Recently this has been through Churches and the District Health Boards, and I currently have two pilot schemes running in Auckland secondary schools. There is often a real need for bras for girls, and girls without bras are reluctant to be involved in sporting activities.
“What happens at the other end when the donated bras get to their destination? Are there organised groups who receive and distribute the bras, or does someone from New Zealand go over to help with this task?”
We have excellent partners on the ground to receive goods, most of them are registered charities. We travel quite frequently to the destinations too, so we meet our partners and work closely with them with regards to the distribution.
Some bras will be taken to schools, some to hospitals, others to outreach programs and some are given to women at the time of their screening for breast cancer.
“What kind of bras do you require and is there any size/cup preference?”
We accept all bras, but the larger sizes are preferred- you could say the bigger the better! I have had women over the moon to receive their new bra when it is a size 22J!
Sports bras are also very popular. Where we can, we pack and send maternity bras directly to the birthing units and hospitals.
How you can get involved
If you have a drawer full of bras that don’t get worn (and let’s be honest- that is probably most of us!) bring them in (or send them to us) and we will ensure they get passed on to Kate and her wonderful team of helpers!
If you have any questions around donating your old bras, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our team on 09 520 7869 or sales@avokado.co.nz
Bits 'n Boobs 