Bras for Fiji

In 2022, 2023 and 2024 our crews sailed from the Fiji Mainland to the Yasawa Islands. We had an incredible time and enjoyed the warm and friendly hospitality of the Fijian people where ever we sailed. Our crews of 22, had personally purchased and prepared donations for the villages we were visiting and these included; clothes, medical supplies, educational supplies, sports goods, games and other items.

While visiting and donating sewing supplies, Danielle Hows (David’s wife) was asked by one of the Fijian ladies if it was possible to bring back some secondhand bras next time she visited. When Danielle asked why they were needed, the Fijian lady explained that on wages of FJD$4 per hour, that many of them cannot afford to buy them at local prices of FJD$40-$80 each.

Danielle returned to Australia and launched the “Bras for Fiji” program initially by asking friends if they had surplus bras in good condition, they were willing to donate. Through word of mouth, social media and purchases from Op shops for $1-$2 each, more than 1,200 bras have been donated in the first 16 months and Ocean Sailing Expeditions has funded the postage and shipping.

The retail value of these in Fiji currency is more than $100,000, representing 20,000 hours of Fijian labour if they were to save up and purchase these themselves. Our goal is to donate more than 2,000 bras in the next 12 months and thats possible with a small contribution, from a modest number of people.

The Bras for Fiji program helps improve dignity and self-confidence for our wonderful neighbours of the Pacific Islands. We are now expanding the program, to gather bras from a wider range of donors and in turn share them with more villages and reach more people.

Your help is appreciated

Every donation makes a difference to someone else’s life. If you can help or donate in anyway, please contact Danielle.