Deluge of underwear a boon for the homeless, says Sue Hickey

A mountain of underwear in a politician's office is usually the sign of a scandal, but for Speaker Sue Hickey it’s the reflection of a community’s generosity. WATCH THE VIDEO THAT STARTED IT ALL >>

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A MOUNTAIN of underwear in a politician's office might usually the sign of a scandal, but for Speaker Sue Hickey it’s the reflection of a community’s generosity.

The MP for Clark made a social media appeal for donations on behalf of the homeless — and received an overwhelming response.

“I was talking to Annie Townsend-Carr from the Salvos Streets2Home team about the success of our drive for men’s shoes and boots for Bethlehem House,” Ms Hickey said.

“She said it would be good if we could get some bras and undergarments for women experiencing homelessness, escaping domestic violence and women leaving prison, because these essential items are rarely donated.

Ms Hickey said she took the request as a challenge.

“Given how hard it for charities to get media attention to support their cause in the competitive environment of COVID-19, I decided to do a quirky social media post showing that my bra cup is the same size as my head!

“The reason for this was that I needed to capture people’s attention to get this very important message across.”

The response was extraordinary: donations included bras and undies, spencers, camisoles, socks, clothing and sanitary products.

“We were especially grateful to Capri Body Fashions for their donations and also to Katie, a former Intimo Consultant, who donated $40,000 worth of exquisite lingerie.

“We are also pleased with the variety of sizes, as homelessness does not discriminate based on body shape – we have something for everyone,” Ms Hickie said.

Anyone wishing to assist with donations of new underwear was urged to get in touch with Ms Hickey’s electorate office over the next week.

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