For the Reporter

The Soroptimist International of Kent and the Farrington Court Retirement Community host a Free the Girls Bra Drive fundraiser from 5:30-9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11 at Reds Wine Bar at Kent Station, 321 Ramsay Way, Suite 110.

The Free the Girls campaign gives women who were rescued from sex trafficking a chance to improve their lives. Formerly trafficked women try to earn funds to continue their education or make a living to support themselves. The campaign provides job opportunities to those women.

A common means to earn money in third world countries is for women to sell new and used bras to other women. This income-making method allows women to fund their education and support themselves in a way they never thought possible.

Soroptimist International’s primary focus is to help women and girls improve their lives in areas of education and home life.

Besides the Free the Girls campaign, local Soroptimists’ service projects include the annual Cold Weather Coat and Clothing Drive for Homeless Children, the Women’s Opportunity Award, community cash awards and services to local organizations such as the YWCA, DAWN, Kent Food Bank, Genesis Project and others.

The public is welcome to the event, which will include wine tasting, snacks, collecting bras and raising money. Donate a bra and a dollar.

For more information, contact Amy Khela at 253-852-2737 or akhela@stellarliving.com.