Share the Dignity, the national Not for Profit which assists homeless women and those experiencing domestic violence, is calling on Australians to donate essential hygiene items as part of ‘It’s in the Bag’ Christmas donation drive.
Last year over 98,000 bags were dropped off at Bunnings stores across the country and donated to disadvantaged women. As the need grows for essential sanitary items, the charity is now striving to collect 120,000 bags from generous Australians.
Nearly 173,000 females across Australia sought help from homelessness services in 2017 – a number that has risen by 21 per cent over four years – with domestic and family violence identified as the main reason for seeking assistance*.
With drop-off points across all 290 Bunnings Warehouse stores across the country, it’s easy for everyone to get involved and help those in need.
With the most ambitious target to date, Share the Dignity founder, Rochelle Courtenay, is depending on community kindness; “Christmas is such a special time, but we tend to forget there’s many people who need our help. Donating a bag filled with hygienic essentials is a small but extremely impactful gesture that people can take part in”, she said.
Finding food and a safe space to sleep are some of the many challenges homeless women face, but the lack of sanitary products is why Share the Dignity has been working to eliminate period poverty in Australia since 2015.
To get involved and help share the dignity this Christmas, visit your local Bunnings, from Friday 16th November to Sunday 2nd December, 2018.
SUGGESTED ESSENTIALS:
- Sanitary Items
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Soap
- Deodorant
For more information, head to the Share the Dignity website: sharethedignity.com.au/christmas-charity/
*Research sourced from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s Specialist Homelessness Services Annual Report 2016–17 www.aihw.gov.au/reports/homelessness- services/specialist-homelessness-services-2016-17/contents/clients-services-and-outcomes
