Sportsgirl

2016 marks the 10th anniversary of Butterfly’s relationship with Sportsgirl and as an organisation they have been able to raise over $2.6 million for the programs we run at Butterfly. This is an amazing amount and it has had an enormous impact on what we have been able to do within the community in relation to positive body image and eating disorders. All these funds go directly to people that are in desperate need of help, guidance, education and at times, life saving support!

The Sportsgirl Commitment

At Sportsgirl, it’s not about size; it’s about health, in both body and mind. Sportsgirl promotes healthy, confident girls, whether they are team members, customers or Sportsgirl models. They recognise the dangers of low self-esteem and poor body image and how these can result in unhealthy eating behaviours. Significantly, dieting is a high risk factor in developing eating disorders. Sportsgirl takes its responsibilities as a leading fashion retailer and employer of young women seriously and models how to implement and support healthy attitudes and behaviours in the workplace and with its customers.

The Sportsgirl Leadership

In 2013, in recognition of Sportsgirl’s long-term leadership and commitment to promoting positive body image messaging and practices, Sportsgirl was announced the winner of the Federal Government’s National Overall Positive Body Image Award and also the winner of the Positive Body Image Award for the Fashion Industry.

The Sportsgirl Impact

Through Sportsgirl’s continued support based on proceeds from their special Butterfly product range in stores, Sportsgirl has raised over $2.6 million for Butterfly’s work. This is an incredible amount and it has enabled a number of key initiatives such as:

• The Financial Assistance to Recovery Program which provides financial support and assistance to people with eating disorders from across Australia who cannot afford vital treatment
• Pilot funding for the National Helpline with telephone, email and webchat support and counselling for anyone affected by eating disorders. This line averages 1,500 contacts per month with sufferers, families, health professionals and members of the community
• Funding for the Recovery Support Services Program in both Townsville QLD and Adelaide SA, where community based services have been seriously lacking
• Refurbishment of Butterfly House in Crows Nest. In 2016 Butterfly House will also be the location for the first Child & Adolescent Day Program for Eating Disorders in NSW, a program that will be run in partnership with the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network
• Improvements in Butterfly’s digital platform, communications and reach, particularly on social media – with over 150,000 followers on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Butterfly will be forever grateful for the support, leadership and dedication Sportsgirl has shown throughout the partnership.