The holiday season may get pretty hectic, but there’s no need to get your knickers in a twist.

That is, at least, if you’re a woman willing to donate any lightly used bras to help out Winnipeg’s less fortunate.

During December, The BraBar & Panterie, located at 554 Des Meurons St. and Unit J-1765 Kenaston Blvd at Linden Ridge Shopping Centre, is holding St. Knickers Month. Organizers are encouraging women to drop-off any gently worn bras, which will be donated to Siloam Mission and Our Place Chez Nous Drop-In Centre.

Monetary donations — from either sex — are also being accepted, so that organizers can go out and buy panties.

Last year — the campaign’s first — saw 364 bras and 404 pairs of panties donated to Siloam.

"We often have women come and see us who wonder what they can do with their old bras, which are often only lightly used," said Crystal Cunard, the store’s general manager.

"So we brainstormed one day and called Siloam Mission and found out these are among their highest demand items. We all take bras and panties for granted, but these can be a luxury for the homeless."

Cunard said the criterion for donations is simple.

"We’ll accept any bras that are lightly used. Size doesn’t matter," she said, noting St. Knickers Month is the perfect time to downsize your underwear drawer.

"It’s that time of year when people are in the spirit of giving. We were overwhelmed with the response last year. The manager would come to work at the Kenaston store and there would be bags on the doorstep," Cunard added.

The St. Boniface resident noted it’s not only women who have stepped up to the plate to help with the campaign.

"One interesting thing was there was an anonymous donator, who came in with an envelope and quietly left. It turns out he donated $500 and we were overwhelmed. It makes your whole month to know there are people out there who want to help that much. We called him our guardian angel."

The BraBar & Panterie is dedicated to women’s all round breast care, Cunard said, as it offers professional bra fitters and employs certified fitters for post-breast surgery forms and bras.

 
"We specialize in being a service, not just a retailer," she said.

For more information, visit www.thebrabar.com or call 204-231-3487. Bras can be delivered to either store location.

simon.fuller@canstarnews.com