PORT McNEILL—The bras are back!
Port McNeill Flower Shoppe has kicked off its third annual Bras for a Cause promotion to benefit breast cancer research and treatment, and invites creative-minded people from across the North Island to contribute to the cause.
"The stress is on creativity and participation," said Lyn Skrlac, owner of the Flower Shoppe, which induces double-takes, stares and chuckles at the whimsical creations that appear in its display window each summer. "It's a fun, creative, imaginative way to support the fight against a disease that touches us all."
Participants are invited to create decorated bras and submit them for display in the Flower Shoppe during the summer, at $5 per entry. Customers and visitors to the store may then vote on their favourites for $1 per vote.
Both the entry fee and voting income goes to the fight against cancer.
"Every penny that goes in that can is donated to breast cancer," said Skrlac. "Not one cent goes to overhead."
Typically, the bras are done in entertaining themes, like the "Treasure Chest" that spilled over with booty, the "Armored Bra" made up of interlinked pop tops from drink cans, or "Getting to Second Base" with a ball on one side and a glove on the other.
The cause got a huge boost last year when the completed bras were unveiled — modeled by men — in the Victor's Secret Fashion Show at the local community hall. Plans are already in the works, spearheaded by Cheryl Verbrugge, to bring back the fashion show this winter.
In the meantime, Skrlac and Lynda Biggs of the Flower Shoppe are trying to get as many bras entered before voting wraps up and prizes are issued this September.
To help, the Flower Shoppe has purchased a quantity of thrift-shop bras, and customers may come in and use the shop's craft table, glue guns and supplies to decorate at no charge.
The women also encourage "bra bees," gathering a group of friends together to decorate
"The more bras we have, the more we have to fight cancer," said Skrlac. "It doesn't have to be just women, either. The guys, kids, everyone who is creative can get involved."
Businesses or individuals may also aid the cause by contributing a prize to be awarded to the top vote-getters at the end of summer, or may simply donate at the Flower Shoppe.