All proceeds of sales from a new collection by South Australian label, Iris & Wool, will go to the Childhood Cancer Association under their new initiative, Softly Brave.

Iris & Wool, based in Burra, has created items for adults and children with their trademark Merino wool including beanies, t-shirts, a sweater and tote bag.

Iris & Wool Founder, Emily Riggs, herself a childhood cancer survivor, says Softly Brave exists to help nurture and nourish families fighting a diagnosis.

“In a time of acute illness and recovery, there is a craving for softness, love and nourishment,” says Emily. “Merino wool is renowned as a super fibre, strong yet incredibly gentle on fragile skin – a super fibre for super kids.”

“When you buy a Softly Brave piece, you help shine a light on the journey these brave kids are walking alongside their families and make their experience with cancer a little softer,” says Emily.

Iris & Wool donate beanies to newly cancer diagnosed children in South Australia via the Childhood Cancer Association. The company also donate $1 from every Iris & Wool sale whether it’s a beanie or jumper, with over $22,000 raised for the charity.

It stems from Emily’s personal experience, fighting Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at age nine and losing her mum a year into her treatment, who died from breast cancer aged just 43.

Iris & Wool (the Iris in the name honouring her mum’s favourite flower), was founded in 2019 after a lifetime of using clothes to heal and express individuality. This long love of fashion combined with showcasing the wool industry’s hard workers, like Emily’s fifth-generation farmer husband Tom.

Understanding grief, fear and sadness is behind Softly Brave, because from that blossoms hope, support and love.

Three children die from cancer every week in Australia. The Childhood Cancer Association achieves critical work of supporting children living with cancer through donations, providing free counselling, accommodation and respite, and education services.

Join the conversation around childhood cancer and help raise awareness and funds through an Iris & Wool purchase. Softly Brave directly impacts the bravest of kids, supported by the softest of fibres. Items in the collection can be purchased online now.