At a time when women’s voices are rising around the world, International Women’s Day was commemorated globally on March 8th through a rich diversity of initiatives.  However here in the Capital District, Mother Nature had her own plans, and the only woman we would let change International Women’s Day is Mother Nature herself!

In honor of International Women’s Day, Teal, Becker & Chiaramonte CPAs, P.C. (TBC), Bank of America, and other local business women have partnered with YWCA of the Greater Capital Region, Inc. (YWCA-GCR) to act locally by purchasing bras and donating funds to YWCA- GCR Brava! campaign.  Over 160 bras were donated on Monday, March 12th in support of International Women’s Day. Additionally, over $500 in funds were collected in honor of the bra drive to help the YWCA-GCR purchase additional ones to give out free of charge to its constituents.

“Bras are often an overlooked vital necessity that women and girls we serve do not have access to and/or cannot afford,” said Daquetta Jones, Executive Director of YWCA of the Greater Capital Region, Inc.  “These free bras allow us to help restore some of the dignity to these women and girls in need that have lost along the way and to empower them to get back on their feet with confidence. We greatly appreciate TBC and partners for their support, taking action and bringing awareness to this critical need. ”

“We are truly honored to partner with YWCA of the Greater Capital Region, Inc.,” said Katie Doran, CPA who is a Shareholder at TBC. “We created the TBC Women’s Initiative to enable and empower women, and there’s no better way to do that than by helping the women and girls in our community who need it most.”

Over the past 3 years, YWCA-GCR has collected and given more than 1,500 new bras to girls and women of YWCA-GCR and in the community for free. New bras and underwear with tags are collected year-round and at their Annual Brava! event.

How can you help? When you go out to purchase a new bra, please consider buying a second one to donate to YWCA-GCR, larger sizes are appreciated. Year round you can donate bras and funds to YWCA- GCR located at 21 1st St, Troy, NY 12180.