District 11 collects bras for local organization

For the 2020-2022 biennium, the District 11 Board, USA and Caribbeans, selected Free The Girls as their district service and advocacy project. Free The Girls is an international non-profit organization devoted to helping women rescued from sex trafficking reintegrate into their communities. They envision a world in which previously enslaved women are leading vibrant, successful and integrated lives. They do this by collecting bras. 

Survivors can earn a safe income selling bras in the second-hand marketplace. By receiving a starting inventory from Free The Girls, the women can begin their businesses and become entrepreneurs in their communities. This income allows them a safe economic opportunity, and for many of the women, it provides not only for themselves but also for their children.

Free The Girl's Director of Strategic Partnerships Pam Gumns made a video presentation about their organization and what they do. The video was then presented at area meetings.

After the video, the Zonta clubs in Puerto Rico were the first to collect and submit over 325 bras. They were followed by the Zonta e-Club of Orland and the Zonta Club of Beaufort, who collectively gathered more than 1,000 bras.

The Zonta Club of Savannah placed collection boxes all around their town and the local news station interviewed club member Regina Adesanya.

During the district conference, Shannon Fitch set up a display to advertise the project. Zontians brought more than 1,000 bras to be put on display during the reception and luncheon. As a whole, the district collected 3,000 bras. 

The district is proud to partner with a wonderful organization with boots on the ground and thinks of how many human trafficking survivors they've empowered. They are saving lives and supporting families.