LOS ANGELES — Baci Lingerie has donated 5077 bras worth more than $55,000 to victims of sex trafficking in Africa, the company announced today.
The donation assists the non-profit organization “Free The Girls.”
“Sex trafficking is a devastating reality in places such as Mozambique,” Baci Lingerie owner Frank Koretsky said. “It affects not only women, but their children and their families, as well. We are committed to raising awareness about human rights, and we encourage others to do what they can.Together, we can affect change which will criminalize sex trafficking in all nations.”
Baci said Free The Girls provides an opportunity for women rescued from sex trafficking to earn a living selling second-hand clothing, while going to school, getting healthy, and caring for their families. Launched in August 2010, the organization has collected more than 130,000 gently used bras from women all over the world. In Spring 2011, working alongside its first safe house partner, Project Purpose, Free The Girls launched a successful pilot program in Mozambique, Africa.
In Feb. 2012, the organization was featured in a three-part series on CNN’s Freedom Project, called “Mozambique or Bust.” As a result of the broadcast and resulting international support, the organization has shipped 32,000 bras to Mozambique in July 2012. Since then, Free The Girls has been able to replicate the results of the pilot program and add more women to the program.
This year, Free The Girls will be expanding their outreach by introducing pilot programs in Kenya, Uganda, El Salvador, and Mexico. A follow-up documentary by CNN, showcasing the success of the program, aired in Feb., 2013.
“Organizations such as Free The Girls are essential to women’s rights and to a humane and cruelty free planet. We’re humbled Free The Girls has accepted our donation, and urge everyone to help in whatever way they can,” Koretsky, said.
Baci noted that its donation to Free The Girls is the most recent example of its commitment to philanthropy, social consciousness, and charitable outreach. The company donated more than $15,000 worth of bras to victims of the Oklahoma tornadoes earlier this year and raised more than $8,000 for the Eileen Stein Jacoby Fund for breast cancer at Baci’s second semi-annual charity dinner in April. In addition, Baci participated in the 2013 Revlon Run/Walk to raise awareness and funds for cancer research and treatment.
The company added that its international partners work harmoniously to streamline philanthropic endeavors and global vision. The synchronized network carries the Baci brand and philosophy to all territories simultaneously, allowing Baci to embrace and encourage the beauty of women throughout the world.
The Free the Girls orgainzation regularly seeks donations so it can provide information and printable materials on how to coordinate efforts to collect new or like-new bras. Listings for upcoming bra collection drives are also listed at the Free The Girls’ site.
For more information obout the organization, visit the Free The Girls site, or contact Melissa Watson at Melissa@FreeTheGirls.org.
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