Bras for Africa Update

Bras for Africa Update

Over 100,000 pairs of knickers and bras sent to Africa by HOTmilk, New Zealand based international maternity and nursing lingerie label, have arrived and been distributed to women living in villages in Zimbabwe to help them avoid being sexually abused.

When the company discovered that undergarments elevated a Zimbabwaen womens prestige, meaning they are less likely to be sexually assaulted, they immediately donated close to 12,000 HOTmilk items and organised HOTmilk stockists across the globe to gather quality secondhand bras and unworn underwear to ship to Africa.

One of their stockists that really got on board with the campaign was Frances McInnes, from Breastmates. Frances managed to extend the PR request through her database of mothers, and the story was publicised in many regional newspapers asking women to mail their donations to Breastmates. Frances's efforts resulted in 16,000 being collected at her Royal Oak and Cambridge branches.  < and interview on Sunrise TV here>

"Distributing the bras and knickers has been a very enjoyable task,” said former Zimbabwaen Morag Roy, who ensured that the boxes of donations cleared customs and made their way to those who most needed them.

“Most of the bras have been given out in Samkele, Lupane and Bulawayo areas,” says Roy. “The women love them and there is always great excitement and joy when they are received!” she says.

“We really are grateful to everyone around the world who put in such an amazing effort to make these donations possible - but extend a very special thanks to HOTMilk, their stockists, Express Logistics, those who donated warehouse space and everyone in New Zealand who contributed to the campaign for their generosity, especially in light of the major obstacles they overcame to get so many items here safely!”

 NOTE we are not collecting any more bras

 You can read about our 2009 appeal here

Hotmilk Knickers for Africa Update
Thursday, 4 March 2010
Press Release: HOTmilk via Breastmates