Three or four weeks ago, we put out a simple appeal: we need bras.

As part of every ILoveBoobies breast health screening, each woman receives a freshly laundered, gently used bra in her care package. It might seem like a small addition to a clinical screening, but for many of the women we meet, receiving a beautiful bra of her own is something genuinely special.

And we were running short.

So we asked for help.

Mediclinic answered the call and activated its hospitals and communities across South Africa, setting up collection points and encouraging people to donate their gently used bras.

And South Africa responded.

This week, our team started collecting the donations — bags and boxes filled with bras that are about to begin a completely new chapter.

We All Have One

Actually, most of us probably have a few.

The bra that looked great in the shop but never quite fitted properly. The one you bought online in the wrong size. The beautiful one you wore twice. The one you meant to return but never did.

They sit at the back of our cupboards because they’re simply too good to throw away.

Well, we know women who will love them.

Every donated bra is carefully sorted, freshly laundered and prepared before it is given to a woman attending one of our free breast health screening days.

For us, it is about more than handing over a bra. Our screening programme is built around making women feel cared for, respected and comfortable throughout the experience. The bra is one small part of that.

There’s Still Time to Donate

The Mediclinic collection boxes are still out, so this is the perfect excuse to have a look through your cupboard. 

We’re looking for gently used bras that are clean, in good condition and still have plenty of life left in them.

If you wouldn’t give it to a friend, please don’t give it to us. But if it’s barely worn, beautiful and simply not getting the love it deserves, we would be delighted to give it a new home.

To Mediclinic, its teams around the country, and every person who has already opened their cupboard and donated: thank you.

Sometimes doing good really can be that simple.

One bra. One woman. A little more dignity.