Christmas is coming, and while we did think about spending millions on a lavish advert with adorable woodland animals, in the end we decided to do something for others. Two things, actually
Firstly, Fabrication is calling on Leeds ladies to donate their unwanted bras in a massive show of support for a female charity campaign.
Run by the Flamingo Foundation, some of the bras are given to women in developing countries who can’t afford their own bra. Others are used as stock, helping ladies start up their own market-stall businesses. Sub-standard bras are recycled raising cash for Flamingo Foundation projects. You can find out more at www.flamingofoundation.org/bras.
Dawn Wood from Fabrication says, “We hope local ladies will get involved and show their support for their female counterparts around the world. There are thousands of unwanted bras that women have outgrown or got bored of, and we want to put them to good use.”
She adds, “By donating old bras, people can help communities across the world in many practical ways and know that after the important support the bra has given them, it can go on to help someone else.”
The ‘Bra Bank’ scheme is run by the Flamingo Foundation and each year as many as 20,000 bras are collected. This includes to a community of ladies in Kenya – many of who are widowed having lost their husbands to HIV. Most work the land and care for their families without any physical support, so owning their own bra, or having the opportunity to set up a small business using the bras as stock, is extremely welcome.
Rehema Keino from Kisumu explains, “It’s so nice to think of another woman thousands of miles away supporting me!”
Fabrication will be collecting bras until 1st December 2013.
These simple gifts can make a big difference and goes to show that what UK women take for granted can be a real life-changer for others. As Fabrication supports local micro business then being involved with the project was a perfect fit for us, to enable others elsewhere to also be enterprising
Secondly, we will be holding a present drop for St George's Crypt Toy Appeal. For many years, the Crypt has been distributing toys to families throughout Leeds who find themselves unable to buy presents for their children at Christmas.
In recent years, they have partnered with a number of churches in Seacroft, Armley and Gipton – in each case an area with substantial numbers of families in need – to ensure that the toys they receive are directed to those most in need. St George's Crypt are very grateful to many churches, schools, individuals and companies who donate huge numbers of toys which make all the difference to so many families at Christmas who otherwise would receive very little.
In addition to this, some of the Fabrication sellers will be donating 10% of profits to St George's Crypt - just ask in store for more details.
To drop off your bra or present, please visit: FABRICATION Unit A20 Arcade Level, The Light, The Headrow, Leeds, LS1 8TL. For opening hours and contact details, the website is: www.fabricationcrafts.co.uk
