You might think of that bra you bought, but didn't fit, as just clutter, but to Yvonne Moran-Mead and her daughter Demi, 18 they mean much more. Your donated bras means female human trafficking survivors in other parts of the world can start rebuilding their lives.

Yvonne and Demi are collecting bras for an organization called Free the Girls. This organization ships bras to women in other countries, like their shipment to Mozambique whose recipients were sold into prostitution when they were between the ages of eight and 10.

The project in Mozambique was dubbed a success, with the women making up to five times the minimum wage in their area, as second-hand clothing is a profitable market.

According to Yvonne in the Comox Valley Record:

"It's sustainable because the girls are allowed to have a certain number of bras free of charge and then, in order to keep it going, they pay a small fee to get more bras into it, and they can work and go to school and try to feel better about themselves and their life," explains Yvonne, "You can see how it can actually change a woman's life — it's a big impact."

As Secret Drawers Lingerie we know that sometimes the winter weather can get the best of you, but don't worry, we're here to help.

Specifically, we're here to offer you cotton flannel and jersey hugs for the taking.

Yes, it's that time of year again when winter enters our thoughts. But the good news about this is that downtown Courtenay celebrates this season with WinterFest 2012 and up this weekend is Moonlight Magic and big sales on KAS Silks.

• Lighting of the Christmas tree with a live fire performance, Friday at 6 PM
• Free hot chocolate from the Salvation Army
• Street performers on Friday
• Magic and crafts on Saturday

Did you know Saturday is Canada's Small Business Saturday? It's the day when Canada celebrates Canadian entrepreneurs by supporting small businesses. And the best part? Deals for you.

At Secret Drawers Lingerie we will be giving 10% off to anyone who mentions the secret word: Lingerie. Yup. That's it. Just come in and mention "lingerie" and we'll happily give you your discount.

As a downtown business, Secret Drawers Lingerie always participates in the popular Local Colours and Market Day and this year, Market Day is this Saturday, July 21st from 9 AM to 7 PM. 
 

We love lingerie. It's why we're passionate about selling it. We love to see women in the fine fittings and glorious designs our lines have to offer.

But what's better than lingerie? Well, lingerie on sale, of course. And this weekend marks a big one. This Saturday only we're offering 40-50% off selected items. You'll find bras, underwear, pj's, robes and other items on sale.

And is there something better than even that? How about free? As in you could win a free bra for you and your mom by entering in store. Any mother or daughter is welcome to enter the contest but you have to enter in store this Saturday.

Those sale details again:

• When: This Saturday, May 5th from 10 am - 5 pm
• Where: Secret Drawers Lingerie
• What: Sales of 40-50% off selected items
• What else: A chance to win a free bra for you and your mom

• Selected pajamas from brands like Blush Pajamas
• Selected bras from brands like Princess Tam Tam, Chantelle and Lejaby
• Other selected items

As we mentioned yesterday, Thursday just happens to be our 15th birthday and so to celebrate, we're giving you the gifts. And as promised, we are having a sale, along with some of our upper-5th street neighbours.

We present, Upper 5th - Up at Night. Please join us from 6-9 PM this Thursday night for exclusive savings.

• Lejaby
• Chantelle
• Hanky Panky
• Felina
• Goddess
• Nanso
• Princess Tam Tam
• Prima Donna

You know summer is in full swing when it's time for the downtown Courtenay Market Day.

If you're crazy about great food, the Mad Chef Cafe will make you absolutely insane!

• How do I care for my lingerie?
• How do I know if a bra fits?
• Do a 34 C and a 36 C have the same cup size?
• What bra will minimize my bust?
• Which bra will give me the best cleavage?

We've had a joyous holiday season helping men and women find the perfect comfy, svelte or sexy item for under the tree. We hope that today there are many faces filled with delight while unwrapping our apparel.


Open Boxing Day

As an extra gift, for the first time we will be open on boxing day. Select Lejaby bras, lacy Hanky Panky, Frankie and Johnny pajamas and assorted exquisite bras and undies are up to 50% off.

Join us for an after-Christmas treat.

In addition to Moonlight Magic and our offer of free shipping there is even more happening around us on fifth street.

Walk the Windows

Starting Christmas Magic Weekend you can vote for your favorite downtown window display.

Diamond Tea robe with Frankie and Johnny pjs underneath and BedHead pjs

Every year downtown Courtenay celebrates the winter season with Moonlight Magic as part of Christmas Magic Weekend. We love this event because it gives families - and savvy shoppers - a chance to enjoy the heart of Courtenay as much as we do every day.

• The Cat's Pajama's - 30% off
• Selected robes - 50% off
• Lejaby bras - 20% off
• Other selected bras - 20% off