AGM 2026
We began our AGM with the usual reading of the Soroptimist Vision and Mission and noting apologies. We then welcomed our guest speaker.
ZABRA – Afreebra Initiative
The founder of Afreebra, Jeanette Kruger, joined us by Zoom.
Jeanette explained how she started this idea. She found that she could not donate bras to charity shops and the charities which collected bras mostly sent them to fabric recovery sites, rather than reusing them as bras. Jeanette is from South Africa and therefore knew that millions of women on that continent have trouble putting food on the table each day for their family, let alone being able to buy themselves a bra. So next time she returned to South Africa, she took her spare bras with her and easily found new homes for them.
She gave a number of bras to a housemaid to take back to her village. On her return, the maid reported that the women of the village were so thrilled with the bras she gave them that they came to her house the next day to clean everything. When she asked them why, they told her no one had ever given them something for nothing just for themselves! They were amazed that women on the other side of the world were kind enough to make the effort to send them such a gift and wanted to repay the kindness.
Jeanette encouraged friends and relatives to donate bras and anyone going to South Africa was asked to take them in their luggage. Businessmen were particularly helpful ‘bra mules’ as they often visited for short periods and didn’t need their full luggage allowance, so could use it for bras. This method is still used today.
Jeanette began to contact charities working with women in African countries who would be able to distribute bras for her. One of these is the Rural Smile Foundation which works in Ghana and has now taken thousands of bras from the UK to Ghana, many of which were collected in Salisbury. They are keen to distribute our bras again this year.
This is still a small scale project run by Jeanette, but having a huge impact in Africa. Imagine being that woman who is gifted a bra, for herself!
You can help by sorting out your bra drawer and donating any that you don’t use any more. You can also help by donating to the Just Giving page “Zabra – Afreebra Initiative” to help Jeanette cover her storage costs, or locally to Salisbury Soroptimists to cover our transport costs. On behalf of the women who receive these gifts: Thank you for your kindness!
New President
Salisbury Soroptimists welcomed their new President Liz Batten. Liz was handed the Chain of Office by the former President Michele Smith. Liz is joined in office by Eleanor Evans who becomes President Elect and Lizzie Rodgers who is Vice-President. Liz has been a Soroptimist for over 40 years and was President of Soroptimist International of Great Britain and Ireland.
Liz outlined her theme for the year ‘Words into Action’. She wants to produce a plan for the year, to examine and strengthen the projects being undertaken and to concentrate on member recruitment and retention.
Michele was presented with a rose trough to thank her for her time as President. Hannah was also thanked for her time as Secretary – handing over to Lizzie Rodgers.
We all enjoyed seeing what we had achieved this year – available on YouTube to share with your friends!
The evening concluded with social time, accompanied by non-alcoholic fizz and nibbles.