Salisbury Soroptimists have celebrated a record-breaking charity bra collection, almost double last year.
In their annual bra collection for women across Africa, Salisbury Soroptimists collected 6,014 bras – almost double last year's total of 3736.
The Soroptimists opened collection points at Five Rivers Leisure Centre and Endless Street asking for gently used bras to be donated, which would then be taken to Alfreebra.
The south-west London initiative partners with organisations working in African countries to distribute bras to women who would otherwise not be able to afford them.
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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.
(Image: Salisbury Soroptimists)
“The main collection point at Five Rivers Leisure Centre was emptied, often daily, by our 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. We decided to use a courier this year instead of packing into several cars. We were glad we had when we saw the number of sacks!
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“Barry of BMC Clearance Services arrived on time, despite the England Euro semi-final was about to begin! The bags were safely stowed in his van for him to drive to Zabra's lock-up in Twickenham the following day.
“The bras will be sent to various African countries, where many women lack the resources to buy a bra. Women tend to be low down on the priorities for family finance. A bra can give women dignity and confidence, apart from comfort!
(Image: Salisbury Soroptimists)
President Michele Smith added: “The generosity of Salisbury and surrounds continues to amaze us.
“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 are hoping to collect again next year and are asking people to keep hold of any bras for the next collection.
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