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Currently NSW is collecting for the Phillipines.
Our first shipment to Tiwi islands leaves Perth April 2012 Donations may be posted to our Vic & NSW addresses, or left at drop off points at any time, as collections are ongoing. Indigenous women in isolated communities have no access to bras. If bras come into the communities in with second hand clothing, they are quick to disappear. Post bras to our NT address to help. Any fabric for the sewing club will be appreciated too.  A bra distribution day - Tonga 2008 Why Bras? This project started because women in Fiji were asking aid workers and tourists for bras. The woman who initiated the project had often given away the bra she was wearing when in rural villages. Disadvantaged Fijians get much of their clothing from second hand Australian clothes shops. Bras are rare in these shops, particularly in sizes to suit the indigenous Fijian build. A new bra costs $40, and wages range from $1.50- $4.50/hour, for those who have jobs. The bra situation is similar in other third world countries. In heat and humidity, rashes, fungal/thrush infections and abscesses occur between the breast and the chest wall. Bras help by allowing air circulation. Nursing mums everywhere leak, and bras allow the dignity of a dry shirt, and the comfort of support. A thrush rash on a mother's skin may spread to her baby's mouth, and then back into the breast itself. In some regions the lack of a bra is a badge of poverty. Women appreciate the common dignity of a bra for church, business or social occasions. Since 2005, Uplift, with assistance from Rotary Australia World Community Service, has sent 480,000 bras through secure channels, making sure they get to the women who need them without compromising their dignity. Uplift has sent bras to Fiji, PNG, Vanuatu, Cook Islands, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Philippines, Bali, Cambodia, Sri Lanka and the Northern Territory. Uplift sends bras only where they are requested. We supply to import duty exempt organisations for distribution and fitting. We ship only in biodegradable packaging, and aim not to compete with local businesses. Often the bra received through Uplift will be the only bra that woman owns. Sending bras: Nursing, mastectomy & size 18+ bras are the most desperately needed - any condition will do, but all good condition bras of smaller sizes will be used, as will swimming costumes. Please no bodysuits or torsolettes. You may drop off to selected Australian locations, or post to our Australian national office. If you prefer, bras can be posted direct to our receiving organisations. See Sending bras page for addresses and shipping information.
There are other groups around the world that share our common interest. Recycling bras in the USA or UK? Visit these websites for more details
Donating toward shipping: Visa or Mastercard donations can be made using a secure payment page on the website of our webhost, Design Central. Donated funds are sent to the Rotary Club of Geelong "Donations in Kind" account, and used only for shipping. Click here to make a donation Cheques should be made payable to Rotary Donations in Kind, and posted to Project Uplift! Liz Baker, 9 Steven St, Hurstbridge VIC 3099.  The upliftbras.org website is copyrighted © 2006-2012 E.A. Baker Logos and trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are used with permission. Links to this site are permitted and encouraged. Handcrafted using vi |
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