As the year comes to a close, it offers an opportunity to reflect and reconnect with what’s truly important.
Here at CAMILLA, colour is in our DNA. We welcome and celebrate all humans in all their wondrous forms. CAMILLA is much more than just a fashion brand. It’s a platform which speaks from the heart to empower, break down barriers and bring about change.
Here at CAMILLA, colour is in our DNA. We welcome and celebrate all humans in all their wondrous forms. CAMILLA is much more than just a fashion brand. It’s a platform which speaks from the heart to empower, break down barriers and bring about change.
Like a big family, we honour the good times and unite during the tough to help as many beautiful souls as we can. That's why, alongside our other philanthropic efforts, we donate $1 from every online order to one of three charities through i=Change.
In the spirit of reflection, today we are taking a closer look at the impact our charitable donations have had on people’s lives in 2023.
Since beginning of our partnership with i=Change, we have raised:
Since beginning of our partnership with i=Change, we have raised:
Please read on, as some of those who have benefited from our donations share their stories.
The Hunger Project works in rural villages in Africa, India, Bangladesh and Latin America, pioneering sustainable, grassroots, women-centered strategies to end hunger.
Through their programs on education, microfinance, agriculture and health, they empower people in these countries.
Through their programs on education, microfinance, agriculture and health, they empower people in these countries.
In areas of Bangladesh, up to 62% of girls under 18 are married. These girls are denied their childhood and can suffer from developmental issues due to early pregnancy. They are vulnerable to STDs, increased risk of domestic violence and have limited opportunities for education and employment.
Here is the story of Jannatul, who has escaped child marriage through the intervention of a local woman, trained by THP.
Jannatul is a 14-year-old girl who is in year 8. Due to COVID-19, her father, a carpenter, saw a dramatic decrease in his income and Jannatul’s education came to a halt because of school closures.
During this time, Jannatul’s father received a marriage proposal for Jannatul. He thought this was a great idea due to their financial insecurities.
Selina, a woman leader trained through THP Bangladesh, heard about the wedding from one of her neighbours and immediately went to visit him.
She talked to him about the implication of child marriage on his daughter’s health and wellbeing. The father countered her arguments with things such as economic stability and security for Jannatul.
Selina immediately arranged a meeting with her women’s group. The group met with Jannatul’s father, reminding him again of the dangers of child marriage and that it was illegal.
As a result, Jannatul’s father finally backed out of the wedding and promised that he wouldn’t get his daughter married before she reached 18.
WCS is dedicated to providing women and children escaping domestic violence with a safe place to stay.
Existing services cannot meet the demand for crisis accommodation for women who are homeless. More than one in two women across Australia who seek a bed in a crisis shelter are turned away, mostly due to a lack of space. And these are just the ones who find out they can ask for a safe place to go.
WCS works with communities to establish new shelters, which provide short term emergency accommodation and support in a safe environment.
Here, Tilly speaks, who is rebuilding her life after support from WCS.
I was living at a WCS shelter, following a period of homelessness. I managed to escape from a domestic and family violence relationship, and I had nowhere else to turn.
The support I received from WCS was invaluable. It provided me with a lifeline and a sense of security. With their help, I was able to move into a transitional home, which marked a significant step towards reclaiming my independence.
I was determined to provide stability for my son. I ensured he remained enrolled in the local school, as I believed that maintaining a sense of routine and familiarity was crucial for him.
I was able to secure a job right around the corner from his school, allowing me to work during his school hours.
I've created meaningful friendships with my neighbours, creating a strong sense of community.
Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in Australia. One in seven women will be diagnosed in their lifetime, and eight Australian women lose their life every day.
NBCF is Australia’s leading national body funding game-changing breast cancer research to create a better tomorrow for all those impacted.
Here, Mark speaks, who lost his mother to breast cancer.
It’s the anniversary of Mum’s death and I can’t help but reflect on all that we lost. She was my hero. Still is. She was always there to take on anything I’ve asked of her. She was so dependable, and reliable, and always went to such lengths to bring our family closer together. Mum was always there for us and it’s so hard to get used to life without her.
It’s the anniversary of Mum’s death and I can’t help but reflect on all that we lost. She was my hero. Still is. She was always there to take on anything I’ve asked of her. She was so dependable, and reliable, and always went to such lengths to bring our family closer together. Mum was always there for us and it’s so hard to get used to life without her.
The NBCF fund research – the only answer to saving lives from breast cancer.
I miss her every day I wish I had been able to spend more time with her. All I can do now is help fund the research that will develop treatments and stop the burden of breast cancer on Australians and their families.
Camilla Franks, our founder and director, has had her own breast cancer journey. To learn more, click here.
Along with the contributions CAMILLA has made through i=change we have been busy with other projects, mentioned below:
Unfortunately, many homeless women do not have any access to sanitary or hygiene products. So, we have joined in on a project called the It’s In The Bag Campaign, run by a charity called Share The Dignity.
At CAMILLA headquarters we have a collection box for staff to donate sanitary and hygiene products. We then pack them into bags, and they are distributed to women in need.
UNICORN CHARITY BAGS
These are one-of-kind drawstring bags we joined with Community Support Services to create. The profits go entirely to The Hunger Project.
During the pandemic, Community Support Services started a sewing circle. This project made use of textile strike-offs and taught people a valuable skill to help provide financial independence.
The outcome is CAMILLA Unicorn Bags - unique designs that make an ideal gift. You can purchase one of these lovingly crafted accessories here.
Our pledge here at CAMILLA is that this work is only the beginning. We will strive to listen and respond further to the needs of other beautiful souls in the world.
