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Share the Dignity, which aims to solve period poverty for women and teens experiencing homelessness and domestic violence, is encouraging Australian Workshop members to donate essential hygiene items as part of the "It’s in the Bag" Christmas appeal.
Over 3 million Australians are living below the poverty line and as a result many women and girls are unable to afford clean and safe sanitary items on a monthly basis. The charity’s mission is stronger than ever with requests for bag donations from its charity partners growing year on year.
Along with handbags and backpacks filled with hygiene items for women and teenage girls, the charity is also asking for nappy bags for new or expectant mothers experiencing homelessness, domestic violence and period poverty. Requests for these bags have increased, with charities reporting a demand for female sanitary items and products for newborns.
Bunnings is supporting the "It’s in the Bag" Christmas appeal again this year, with over 245,000 bags collected in stores across Australia since 2017. Share the Dignity founder, Rochelle Courtenay, says their aim is to give Aussie women and teenage girls a reason to smile and feel cared for this festive season.
“We want to restore some of their dignity with these generous bag donations, filled with essentials, plus a treat or two they can’t afford to buy themselves, like a book, lip balm or a pair of socks. We hear stories from women who have not received a Christmas gift since they were children, so any additional items people can afford to donate really do make a huge difference”, said Rochelle.
With drop-off points across all 300 Australian Bunnings stores, it’s easy for everyone to get involved and help those in need.
“We have been truly blown away by the support ‘It’s in the Bag’ receives every year. To continue supplying bags to those in need, I’d like to encourage Australians to get involved and donate a bag suited for an adult female, teenage girl or new mum.”
Once bags are collected by Share the Dignity volunteers they will be delivered to shelters, charities and drop-in centres across inner-city, suburban, regional and rural locations across the country, just in time for Christmas.
"It’s in the Bag" how-to guide:
1. Donate a handbag or backpack in good, used condition
2. Fill it with items that will make a difference to the daily life of a vulnerable woman or teenager
3. Include essentials; sanitary items, roll-on deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo and soap, plus nappies, rash cream and breastfeeding pads if you’re donating a nappy bag
4. If you can, add some little extras like lip balm and new socks, a magazine, book or notepad - anything that would make a woman or teenage girl feel special this Christmas.
5. Drop off the bag at your local Bunnings.
For more information, please visit the Share the Dignity website.
Thanks to all who have supported this initiative. Just a reminder that the appeal closes on Saturday.
Thanks,
Jason
Once again Bunnings is collaborating with Share The Dignity Australia to support vulnerable women and girls by donating handbags filled with essential hygiene products and some everyday luxuries.
You can help! To get involved, simply pack a handbag and drop it off at your local Bunnings’ donation bins between Friday November 18 and Sunday November 27, 2022.
Jason
