WOMEN working to set up a new Salisbury Soroptimist Club held a summer social event with a difference this week, when they sorted, counted and packed more than 400 donated ‘pre loved’ bras as they enjoyed a glass of bubbly in the sun.

The bras were donated by local women from choirs, dance classes and other groups as well as at a public collection point at Five Rivers Health and Wellbeing Centre.

All the donated bras will go to ‘Smalls for All’, a charity which collects and distributes underwear to help women and children in Africa. The charity helps those living in orphanages, slums, refugee camps and schools, as well as providing underwear to hospitals to help those suffering from medical conditions like obstetric fistula.

Penny Joyce, who hosted the event, said afterwards: “We were delighted with the response from generous local women.

"The simple act of wearing a bra gives women in Africa personal dignity and gains respect from others. Alongside the serious issue of sorting the donations, we had a fun social occasion together, getting to know each other better and welcoming others with an interest in our new group.”

Amongst the projects we have underway are: work to support the Salisbury Women’s Refuge, the STEM Challenge for girls at KS 3&4 in local schools and support for local charity EdUKaid to held empower women and girls in Tanzania. There is no better time to get involved in the new group, which aims to make the world a better place for women and girls locally and worldwide. For more information, visit our website sigbi.org/salisbury