Knickers jet off to Fiji
• Julie Taylor, Ally Mercer, Mel Morice, Lesley Gregory, Hannah Reynolds and Gina Scott with some of the 670 knickers donated.
By Taylor Clyne,
November 27, 2019
More than 670 pairs of underwear have been donated by the local community in aid of providing underprivileged teenagers and women living in Fiji with clean and decent goods.
The fundraising initiative is being driven by Scottsdale’s Ally Mercer following an introduction to other volunteers from Bula Broads working in hospitals to supply sanitary items for individuals living in poverty.
“Underwear is a very basic need, but one of those most difficult items to acquire.
“These issues are not talked about in Fiji, due to embarrassment, lack of understanding and the low priority of such problems in the face of the many struggles of daily life.
“Some girls in Fiji can miss school for at least four days each of every month over menstruation due to lack of undies,” Mrs Mercer said.
One pair of underwear for a girl in Fiji can cost from $10 upwards, whereby Australian prices begin at less than a dollar.
“Families have to make the decision to either feed their family for $10 or provide underwear.”
With those statistic in mind the Mechanics’ Hall Committee got right behind the fundraising campaign to reach out to as many people in the community to help.
“We have had an amazing response with people dropping off new undies in both Bridport and Scottsdale.”
The first shipment will leave the region today on route for Fiji, but Mrs Mercer said they planned to continue the fundraiser for another shipment before Christmas and beyond.
“The fundraiser will continue long term, if people would like to donate basic underwear are best and they must be brand new, not second hand.
“Larger sizes are always in demand and please just plain sorts not g strings or lingerie,” Mrs Mercer said.
Collection points and people include: Teena Petterwood and Gina Scott in Bridport, Scottsdale Shoe Shop, Teazed Hairdressers and Lesley Gregory Accounting in Scottsdale.