From Everest to Impact: One Woman’s Summit Delivers 8,849 Acts of Dignity Across South Africa
One year after summiting Mount Everest via the North Side, South African mountaineer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Angela Yeung has fulfilled a promise that began at 8,849 metres above sea level.
For every metre climbed on Everest, one bra was pledged to restore dignity to women and girls affected by Gender-Based Violence and vulnerable living conditions across South Africa.
Today, all 8,849 bras collected through the Impilo Collection Foundation’s #EmpowerHer Campaign are being distributed across all nine provinces through shelters, women’s organisations, and frontline support structures.
The campaign became a powerful national movement during the 16 Days of Activism 2025, culminating in a public installation of 8,849 bras at Constitution Hill beside the historic Women’s Jail — transforming a symbol of hardship into one of dignity, hope, and collective action.
“The summit was never the goal. The descent is,” says Yeung. “Delivering on what we promised — that is the real summit.”
The initiative was inspired by a simple request Yeung once received: “Please bring me a bra next time.” That moment highlighted a reality many women face — that even basic items linked to dignity are often out of reach.
With support from volunteers, partners, and community organisations, the foundation will distribute the bras to 39 shelters nationwide.
Feedback from beneficiary organisations has reinforced the significance of the campaign:
“This donation is highly valued and promotes dignity and wellbeing.”
“This is something we always need desperately.”
As the campaign reaches completion, the Impilo Collection Foundation is expanding its focus toward education and early childhood development through its #EmpowerThem initiative.
One year later, the message remains clear: the true measure of a summit is not what is achieved at the top, but what is carried back down to uplift others.
About Impilo Collection Foundation
Impilo Collection Foundation is a South African philanthropic organisation committed to restoring dignity, empowering communities, and creating meaningful social impact through awareness campaigns, fundraising initiatives, education programmes, and humanitarian outreach. Through its #EmpowerHer, #EmpowerHim, and #EmpowerThem campaigns, the Foundation has positively impacted more than 100,000 lives across South Africa.
The Foundation is committed to building a future free from violence through compassion, awareness, collaboration, and sustainable community engagement.
Connect with theImpilo Collection Foundation on social media:
Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Website
About #EmpowerHer
#EmpowerHer is an initiative of the Impilo Collection Foundation focused on supporting women and girls affected by gender-based violence and vulnerable circumstances. The campaign aims to restore dignity, create awareness, and provide meaningful support through partnerships, public engagement, and nationwide community-driven action.
