A SIMPLE act of kindness in Salisbury is set to make a life-changing difference thousands of miles away, as a local group launches its latest appeal to send bras to women in Africa.

Members of Salisbury Soroptimists are once again asking residents to donate gently used or new bras, with pink collection baskets appearing across the city throughout May and June.

Drop-off points include Five Rivers Leisure Centre, Salisbury Library, Salisbury Playhouse and Salisbury District Hospital.

The campaign supports the Zabra-Afreebra initiative, founded by Jeanette Kruger, who spoke to members at their recent AGM.

She explained how the idea began after discovering that bras donated in the UK are often recycled rather than reused.

Collection baskets will appear across the city throughout May and June.

Knowing that many women in parts of Africa struggle to afford basic items, she began taking bras with her on trips to South Africa – and quickly saw the impact.

In one village, women were so overwhelmed by the unexpected gift that they returned the next day to clean a house in gratitude, explaining they had never received something just for themselves before.

Since then, the initiative has grown, with donated bras transported by volunteers, including business travellers who use spare luggage space to carry them overseas.

Charities such as the Rural Smile Foundation in Ghana now help distribute the items, with thousands of bras from the UK already reaching women who need them most.

Although still small in scale, the project is making a big difference by restoring dignity, boosting confidence and showing kindness across continents.

Residents are now being encouraged to have a clear-out and donate any unwanted bras, helping to continue the chain of generosity.

Supporters can also contribute financially via the “Zabra – Afreebra Initiative” JustGiving page to help cover storage and transport costs.

As organisers put it, for the women receiving them, these are not just garments – but gifts of care, compassion and connection.