THE SPIRIT OF GIVING
As we head towards the end of another wonderful and challenging year, we hope to reflect and reconnect with what’s truly important.
CAMILLA is much more than just a fashion brand. It’s a platform that speaks from the heart to empower, break down barriers and bring about change.
CAMILLA is much more than just a fashion brand. It’s a platform that speaks from the heart to empower, break down barriers and bring about change.
“My proudest achievements stretch far beyond the walls of fashion. Every program we support is about empowering women, supporting women and protecting women and their communities. It’s about transformation – giving flight to those who need a voice and a platform. Fashion is powerful, and I believe it should always do good as well as look good.”
- Founder and Creative Director Camilla Franks
Planet, People and Community are the foundations of our brand. We commit to being a platform for change in the communities we hold close to our hearts. That's why, along with other philanthropic efforts, CAMILLA donates $1 from every online order to one of three charities through i=Change.
At the time of publication, we have donated the following amounts through this partnership:
Please read on as some of the people who have benefitted from these donations share their stories.
Every year over 3,300 people in Australia (including 33 men) will die from breast cancer. That’s 9 Australians a day dying from the disease.
Approximately one woman under the age of 40 is expected to die each week from breast cancer.
In the last 10 years, breast cancer diagnosis have increased by 24%.
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.
“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 Creative Director, has had her own breast cancer journey. To learn more, click here.
The Hunger Project works in rural villages in Africa, India, Bangladesh and Latin America, pioneering sustainable, grassroots, women-centred strategies to end hunger.
Across South Asia, women and girls are not given equal rights or standing - with appalling consequences. Practices such as dowries and forced marriage are deeply entrenched. Girls are denied their childhood and can suffer from developmental issues due to early pregnancy. They are vulnerable to STDs and increased risk of domestic violence. They miss out on their education, the opportunity to work in meaningful jobs and are unable to shape their future and create the fulfilling lives they deserve.
Across South Asia, women and girls are not given equal rights or standing - with appalling consequences. Practices such as dowries and forced marriage are deeply entrenched. Girls are denied their childhood and can suffer from developmental issues due to early pregnancy. They are vulnerable to STDs and increased risk of domestic violence. They miss out on their education, the opportunity to work in meaningful jobs and are unable to shape their future and create the fulfilling lives they deserve.
THP is committed to, and have proven impact in, breaking this cycle of hunger and poverty through targeted advocacy and education programs that elevate the rights of women and girls.
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, had a dramatic decrease in his income and Jannatul’s education came to a halt.
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.
Women’s Community Shelters (WCS) provides 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, Carole speaks, who is rebuilding her life after support from WCS:
“I was desperate to escape years of family abuse with my baby but didn’t know where to turn until someone mentioned WCS. Leaving was terrifying, and when I arrived at the shelter, I was tense, scared and distrustful. Nothing good had ever happened to me – except for my baby, Jane.
The staff’s support amazed me. When securing a property felt hopeless, they helped me find a unit, apply for the Escaping Domestic Violence Program, and even had a volunteer help assemble furniture. Their care meant everything.
For the first time, I felt safe and surrounded by a family atmosphere. The shelter gave me a new start. Though my unit is far, I still run daily in the shelter area. It remains my backbone of safety and a reminder of how far I’ve come. I’ll always be grateful for their support.”
Along with the contributions CAMILLA has made through i=change we proudly support our communities and women’s charities through other projects, including:
Unfortunately, many homeless women do not have any access to sanitary or hygiene products. That’s why we’re proud to support the It’s In The Bag Campaign, operated 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.
We collaborate with Community Support Services (CSS) Village to produce one-of-a-kind drawstring bags and tote bags made from unused textile print strike-offs.
Each piece is sewn by hand for CAMILLA. As well as reusing print strike-offs, this project helps to teach a valuable skill and provide financial independence for women. The Unicorn Charity Bags project began during the pandemic, when many community and charity projects were on hold. Community Support Services started a small sewing circle to provide sewing therapy. All profits from the purchase of Unicorn Charity Bags are donated to charity. You can purchase a Unicorn Bag here.
