Bras for a Cause Seoul is seeking donations of decorated bras ahead of its fifth annual event this year. The brassieres will be auctioned off to raise money for breast cancer treatment.

The Seoul branch of the international charity was founded by Abigail Flores, who manages the event with the help of friends and volunteers.

Flores has long been involved in charity work for women.

“I used to run a women‘s group that is part of the Hash House Harriers (social running club). I’d (raise funds) for women‘s causes and breast cancer was something I chose after I had a scare. Someone suggested we auction bras.”

In the past four years, Bras For a Cause’s charity projects have raised nearly 35 million won ($31,000), with the proceeds going to the Korea Breast Cancer Foundation.

Their donations are specifically intended for alleviating the burden of the expenses of breast cancer diagnosis for those with limited means. They go toward free mammograms, treatment for people diagnosed with breast cancer and breast cancer education.

While based in Seoul, the charity has enjoyed international support due to the connections of its expat support base.

“Last year a friend continued the tradition of decorating and donating a bra from New Zealand. Another friend from the USA showed up to be a model at our Bras for a Cause event in November, bringing a bra that she had made.”

Flores is also eager to get more Korean people involved.

Their fifth annual event will be held this November, featuring a series of volunteer models to sport the decorated bras, a raffle with prizes donated from sponsors and a few performances.

Donations for decorated bras open on July 18 and are welcome until Aug. 30. There is a limit of one bra donation per person, and Flores hopes to have at least 30 bras in total.

To participate, please contact Abigail Flores using the Bras for a Cause Facebook page, www.facebook.com/BrasForACauseSeoul.

By Louisa Studman, Intern reporter (louisastudman@heraldcorp.com)