SI Southport’s newest project is ‘Smalls for All’ – identified by one of our newest members, Mary McDonagh.
‘Smalls for All’ is a young charity set up in 2010 by Maria McNamara, to help vulnerable women and children in orphanages and displacement camps (IDP) in various parts of Africa. The aim is to improve the health and security, and restore the dignity of women and children in Africa and as a result put people in a better economic and social position.
The charity collects and distributes underwear, both new pants and new or gently worn bras to those who need it most, including those suffering from medical conditions like fistula. Underwear is seen as a status symbol and ensures women are less vulnerable.
In addition, it also supports grassroots, sustainable projects with local ownership and helps fund the education of a small number of children in Kenya, so they can look forward to a better future.
So far, Mary has sent off 236 bras and 436 pairs of pants – with more to come. Mary has said she hopes to keep collecting until ‘people stop throwing their underwear at her’!!!! (Tom Jones has nothing on Mary!)
Pictured are (L – R) – Beata Kowalska, Kim Harris, Mary McDonagh, President Elaine Tenneson and Carol Cookson
