Updated April 27, 1:12 p.m.–
By Hazel Ford–
A local Citrus Heights church is participating in a fundraiser to “Support Our Sisters.” The church, New Love Ministries, is partnering with the Raising a Nation Foundation, a Bible-based nonprofit, to supply women in South Africa with much-needed bras.
Organizers say while a bra seems like a basic necessity for most women, many across the world have no access to the garments. Female farm workers in South Africa have a pressing need for bras, as working in the fields with no support leads to major back pain and damage.
The Raising a Nation Foundation, also known as RaN, has been collecting the bras for the past three years. According to the organization’s website, many women are given “their first bra ever,” while others receive their first bra with a proper fit.
Community members are encouraged to bring new or gently used bras in any size to the church, located at 6412 Tupelo Drive, Suite H, in Citrus Heights. Organizers say there is a special need for bras of any cup size with band sizes of 28-32, as well as sizes 42 and above. Sports and nursing bras are welcome in addition to traditional bras.
Items can be dropped off this Saturday, April 28, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., or Sunday from 8 a.m. to noon. Donations after those dates will also be accepted and can be coordinated by contacting Sheryl Smith at (916) 472-0103. The group says monetary donations are also welcome to cover the cost of sending large suitcases of vacuum packed bras to Africa, which run about $200 per suitcase.
On April 28, the church will also be hosting a simulcast with Christian author and actress, Priscilla Shirer, who is the daughter of Dallas mega-church Pastor Tony Evans.