Salisbury Soroptimists celebrate new record bra collection

Wednesday, 17 July 2024 06:00

Salisbury Soroptimists are celebrating after collecting a huge amount of bras in their latest appeal.

The bras were collected to send to African countries, where many women lack the resources to buy a bra. Women tend to be low on the priorities for family finances. A bra can give women dignity and confidence, apart from comfort!

It was confirmed after counting was completed that they had smashed last year's total of 3736 bras with a huge haul of 6014!

Project Leader Penny Joyce said, "Thank you to everyone who contributed to this amazing total! I had bags delivered to my door nearly every day, and even some posted to me."

The main collection point at Five Rivers Leisure Centre was emptied, often daily, by volunteers and other people collected in their homes, bringing them to the count.

All the donations were sorted and counted into piles of 10. These were packed into sacks totalling 100 for onward transport.

Barry of BMC Clearance Services arrived on time despite the fact that the England Euro semi-final was about to begin! The bags were safely stowed in his van so he could drive to Zabra's lock-up in Twickenham the following day. "This has got to be one of my more unusual transport jobs, I might get a bit of teasing for this one!"

"The generosity of Salisbury and surrounds continues to amaze us," said President Michele Smith. "This year's collection alone has saved nearly 400kg of bras going to landfill or fabric recycling and instead given a new lease of life. Thank you to everyone who donated!"

Salisbury Soroptimists hope to collect again next year, so don't throw those bras away in the meantime!!

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