Panties come in a variety of cuts. Image by moyogo
You’ve probably heard of paying it forward, but what about panty-ing it forward?
Pay it forward refers to an act of kindness wherein someone helps a stranger. In exchange that stranger promises to help someone else, in turn paying the good deed forward.
The Elizabeth Fry Society of Manitoba (EFSM) has a new take on the idea with their Panty it Forward event, which will collect new panties for women involved in the justice system.
EFSM is a non-profit organization that offers advocacy, access to resources and support for women who are in conflict with the law.
An example of ladies’ underwear from a 1913 magazine.
The organization provides Pen Packs for women who are sentenced and/or released from correctional centres in Manitoba. The most requested item is a new pair of underwear.For many women, the only underwear options they have are second-hand. EFSM always has a shortage of panties, especially new ones, and as a non-profit they can’t always afford to purchase them.
“It’s nice to feel good and putting on a clean pair of underwear makes you feel good,” explains Tracy Booth, EFSM’s executive director.
EFSM is combining their Panty it Forward event with a Zumbathon. Everyone is invited to the June 14 event, regardless of fitness-level or experience.
Event poster
For each new panty donated participants will receive one “Panty Ticket” to enter a draw to win prizes. The more panties brought in, the more panty tickets and the more chances to win.
Those unable to participate in the Zumbathon can purchase tickets and give them to someone else to attend on their behalf. Alternately, cash donations are gladly accepted and anything over $20 will receive a charitable tax receipt. The goal of the event is to raise $5,000.
“I would really like to see more women support other women to stop the cycle, every women needs help to get out of the system,” Booth adds. “Everyone has things to give even if you’re improvised.”
If you’d like to participate, sponsor the event, or donate, please contact Tricia Seymour at 204-589-7335 ext. 231
Panty facts:
- The original purpose of the panty was modesty. It covered up as much of the female form as possible (think baggy pants ending at the ankle) and was typically divided in the middle.
- Queen Victoria had her underwear made with very costly materials such as silks, satins and cotton, and they were laced at the waist.
- Even after vigorous washing underwear do not become totally free from germs or bacteria.
- Panties should be washed daily and should not be shared to ensure health and hygiene
