Umina Rotary collects 1000 bras
The Rotary Club of Umina Beach has collected more than 1000 bras over two months for women in Third World countries.
Public relations officer Mr Geoff Melville said the club had heard from aid worker, Heather Van Vlokhoeven, about the need for the bras.
She said many women in Third World countries lived without bras because they couldn't afford them.
"Second hand bras are sometimes available cheaply but a new bra, if available, can cost about 10 hours wages which is beyond the reach of most," said Mr Melville.
"In a subsistence economy the vast majority of income is spent on food."
Many wanted bras for reasons of hygiene and comfort.
"Moisture trapped between the breast and chest wall can cause rashes and fungal infections.
"Bras help by allowing air circulation.
"Women with breasts full of milk are more comfortable in a bra.
"Farming is more comfortable in a bra."
Ms Van Vlokhoeven said she had given away her own bra on many occasions, because of the need of women with whom she had been working.
Mr Melville said: "To date 38,000 bras have been collected and dispatched by Rotary to Fiji, Vanuatu, Tonga and Papua New Guinea."
Press release, 4 Feb 2009
Geoff Melville, Rotary Club of Umina Beach