Lancashire based lingerie label Raine & Bea have collaborated with local students to help the refugees in Calais. The inspiration for the project was the daughter of the brand’s founder Jenna Barnes. “Lili Raine had become aware of the desperate situation of the refugees through a friend of my husband who volunteers at the camps in Northern France,” explained Jenna. After arranging for the family to donate some of their own clothes, 12-year-old Lili Raine hit upon the idea of making underwear via her mum’s label, involving students at her school to help design some boxer shorts for refugees who have travelled for weeks without a change of clothes.
The students at Ribblesdale High in Clitheroe began by painting anti-war messages of hope and peace on the shorts. Jenna then ran a series of classes to teach the students the manufacturing skills needed. The school have since asked Lili to deliver a talk about the project in assembly and as students have been left wanting to help more, the class is now working on vests for the Women’s centre in Dunkirk.
Raine & Bea would like to inspire other lingerie brands to also donate with any old or unwanted stock to help the refugees stranded in Northern France. If any lingerie businesses would like to take part then please email info@raineandbea.com.
