Throughout October and November, we’ve been working with our customers across the country to collect unwanted bras and to raise vital funds for Against Breast Cancer.
According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, more than 360,000 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024 and yet, there’s still so much we don’t know about this disease. Which is why, every October, global efforts to raise awareness and vital funds are supporting the work of such charities as Against Breast Cancer.
This charity is the life work of pathologist Dr Anthony Leathem and his wife Patricia who first began fundraising by selling homegrown sweet pea and homemade ginger cakes. Just as humble is the charity's modern efforts to raise money and awareness whilst helping people clear out their drawers of old or unworn bras.
Throughout October, we delivered 165 bra banks to our depots and customer sites to support this innovative solution. The bras have been sent to our charity partners Traid for onward sale in their UK stores and we’re donating £700 to fund Against Breast Cancer’s pioneering research into new treatments, tools for earlier diagnosis and advice to increase the chances of survival.
“We are thrilled that Veolia chose to partner with our charity during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which they extended throughout November and we look forward to welcoming their donation for the bras collected for reuse through their network of bra banks. Bra recycling has increasingly become a great way for supporters to fundraise for the charity. They do not have to put their hands in their pockets, they just need to open their drawers and donate their bras that they no longer wear. All the funds raised for bra recycling go directly into our vital research for secondary spread breast cancer. More information can be found here: Our Breast Cancer Research - Against Breast Cancer. By partnering with Veolia this has not only helped with our research but also has contributed to reducing waste.”
Allie Wilson, Senior Recycling & Customer Service Manager at Against Breast Cancer
The Results
Thanks to the dedication of almost 30 of our customers across the country, including Southbank Centre, Workspace and the NHS, along with collection boxes in ten of our own depots, we collected over 2,000 bras and donated £700 to Against Breast Cancer’s efforts in 2024.
"Breast cancer awareness is not just a cause; it's a deeply personal mission for me. Having lost family members through this disease, I've seen firsthand the impact it can have on them and their loved ones around them. I'm passionate about spreading awareness, encouraging regular screenings, and supporting research. Every life touched by breast cancer is precious, and every step towards a cure brings hope to countless families, like mine.”
Ashleigh Murray-Bates, Regional Account Manager and campaigner behind this initiative at Veolia
Breast Cancer Awareness Month inspired an extraordinary wave of fundraising activities and awareness campaigns throughout Veolia this year. Our dedicated teams and customers united in powerful fundraising initiatives, celebrating Wear it Pink days across our sites, bake sales and raffles, all to support continued efforts to improve survival rates which have doubled in the past 50 years.
"Joining the Breast Cancer Awareness campaign is essential because it raises life-saving awareness, encourages early detection, and unites us in the fight for a cure. Every step taken in this fight brings us closer to a world where no one has to face breast cancer alone. Together, we can make a difference and bring hope to those affected by this illness.”
Diana Castro, Facilities Manager at Southbank Centre