LOS ANGELES—Baci Lingerie announced it has donated more than 5,000 bras to the Free The Girls, a nonprofit organization that helps victims of sex trafficking in Africa.
The exact donation for 5,077 brand new bras of various styles is a total retail value of more than $55,000.
“Sex trafficking is a devastating reality in places such as Mozambique,” said Baci Lingerie Director of Sales and Operations Alicia Sinclair. “It affects not only women, but their children and their families, as well. We are committed to raising awareness about human rights, and we encourage others to do what they can. Together, we can affect change which will criminalize sex trafficking in all nations.”
Free The Girls provides an opportunity for women rescued from sex trafficking to earn a living selling second-hand clothing, while going to school, getting healthy, and caring for their families. Launched in August 2010, the organization has collected more than 130,000 gently used bras from women all over the world. In Spring 2011, working alongside its first safe house partner, Project Purpose, Free The Girls launched a successful pilot program in Mozambique, Africa.
In February 2012, Free The Girls was featured in a three-part series on CNN’s Freedom Project, called “Mozambique or Bust.” As a result of the broadcast and resulting international support, the organization has shipped 32,000 bras to Mozambique in July 2012. Since then, Free The Girls has been able to replicate the results of the pilot program and add more women to the program.
This year, Free The Girls will be expanding their outreach by introducing pilot programs in Kenya, Uganda, El Salvador, and Mexico. A follow-up documentary by CNN, showcasing the success of the Free The Girls program, aired in February 2013.
More information about the Free The Girls organization and its work, visit http://FreeTheGirls.org.
Baci Lingerie owner Frank Koretsky said, “Organizations such as Free The Girls are essential to women’s rights and to a humane and cruelty free planet. We’re humbled Free The Girls has accepted our donation, and urge everyone to help in whatever way they can.”
Donating to Free The Girls is the most recent example of Baci Lingerie’s commitment to philanthropy, social consciousness, and charitable outreach. Baci donated more than $15,000 worth of bras to victims of the Oklahoma tornadoes earlier this year; Baci Lingerie also raised more than $8,000 for the Eileen Stein Jacoby Fund for breast cancer at Baci’s second semiannual charity dinner in April. In addition, Baci participated in the 2013 Revlon Run/Walk to raise awareness and funds for cancer research and treatment.
Baci’s international partners work harmoniously to streamline philanthropic endeavors and global vision. The synchronized network carries the Baci brand and philosophy to all territories simultaneously, allowing Baci to embrace and encourage the beauty of women throughout the world.
Free the Girls regularly seeks donations. The organization provides information and printable materials on how to coordinate efforts to collect new or like-new bras. Listings for upcoming bra collection drives are also listed at the Free The Girls’ site. For more information, visit the Free The Girls site, or contact Melissa Watson at [email protected].
