PORT McNEILL — Hoping to build on the success — and funds raised — of last year's campaign, the Flower Shoppe has kicked off its second annual Bras for a Cause promotion to benefit breast cancer research.
Residents are invited to create and submit decorated bras for $5 each, with proceeds going to the B.C. Cancer Society. Customers and other visitors may then vote for their favourite creation for $1 per vote — or a larger donation — which also goes into the fundraising pool.
Last year, 68 bras were created and helped raise $2,600 for cancer research through voting and other fundraising events, including an auction.
"I think the thing I enjoyed most about it was the stories that came in during and after the contest," said Lyn Skrlac, owner of The Flower Shoppe. "We got cards from all over. It amazed me how many people were touched by it."
The contest, themed Express Yourself, kicked off July 1 and will run through OrcaFest on Aug. 20. Voting will continue until 2 p.m. on Aug. 20 during Port McNeill's annual summer celebration.
The first 20 of the wildly decorated bras are already on display in the store's windows and Flower Shoppe owner Lyn Skrlac is inviting men, women and children to show off their own creativity by providing more entries.
"The sooner they get them in, the more chance they have to get votes," said Skrlac. "We're encouraging men, women and children to enter, because everyone is touched by this disease. And it's about early detection as much as it is about a cure."
She has asked people to name their creations this year, and the public has responded. "Getting to 2nd Base" features a bra with a baseball on one cup and a ball glove on the other; "Treasure your Chest" features a small gold chest overflowing with booty; "Melons" features an artistic rendition of cut halves of watermelon; and "Nips" is covered with the caramel candies of the same name.
"I am amazed at the creativity this year," Skrlac said.