WHEN Caryn Gorrie, of Redland Bay, creates what she hopes will be the world's longest bra chain on October 5, it is a fitting gesture in all senses of the word.
A regular fund raiser for breast cancer prevention, early detection and research, Caryn created the event to attract attention to her other fund raising events.
"I thought it might be a publicity gimmick for my Biggest Morning Tea and my Breast Friends Night In and it developed a life of its own," Caryn said.
Caryn is aiming to collect 200,000 bras, each donated with $1 (therefore also raising $200,000) and chain them together to beat the existing world record of 170,000 bras held by a scout group in New Zealand.
She already has 50,000 bras and said she was on track to receive the rest.
She has 400 businesses nationally participating in a 1000-bra challenge and various others sponsoring various cup sizes.
National sponsors include Barter Card, White Lady Funerals and ABC radio.
Caryn's interest in raising funds for breast cancer started in 2005 when six family members were diagnosed with various cancers in 12 months. In that time, she lost an aunt to breast cancer and an uncle to melanoma.
"It just affects so many. My daughter Olivia and step son Jake are in that blood line. You just never know, so this research is absolutely vital," she said.
Caryn said once the record had been reached, she intended to donate the bras to Kenya, the Solomon Islands, Fiji and Vanuatu and that if anyone knew of other destinations to let her know. She said bras that couldn't be worn could be recycled for rags and metal.
Anyone able to donate bras and $1 or simply make a donation, can do so through everydayhero. com.au/my_life_my_style_bras_for_breast_cancer_ research or find out information on www.mylifemy style.com.au
Bras can also be dropped in to Caryn at Escape Travel, Victoria Point, or contact her on 0413 878 694.
Caryn said she hoped to have collected the bras by September 1, one month before the event.
