Share the Dignity seeks donations for Christmas appeal

NOT-FOR-PROFIT organisation Share the Dignity has this week launched its annual Christmas appeal and is calling on the community to come together to support vulnerable women and girls across the region.

Now in its 10th year, the charity’s It’s in the Bag campaign encourages locals to put together a bag filled with essential toiletries, such as toothpaste, a toothbrush, shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant and period products.

These bags can be dropped off at dedicated collection points located at the front of every Bunnings store in the region and will be distributed to women and girls facing homelessness, domestic violence or poverty.

Those eager to contribute this year are also encouraged to include a special gift in their donation, such as perfume, jewellery, make-up or even a beanie, along with a personal note.

Donations can be dropped off until December 1.

Share the Dignity founder and managing director Rochelle Courtenay said she was hopeful at least 85,000 women and girls across Australia would receive a gift of love and hope this Christmas.

“Together over the last 10 years, we have helped ensure almost one million women and girls who are waking up on Christmas morning in domestic violence refuges and homeless shelters have the dignity they deserve.

“For many, an It’s in the Bag was the only gift they received, and it gave them hope to keep going.

“I know times are tough for so many, but if you can, I urge you to put an It’s in the Bag together or to get together with your bestie and pack one together.

“You never know who in your life many be impacted, so please, help someone in need this Christmas.”

Amy* and her daughter received It’s in the Bag donations after fleeing their family home and know first-hand the impact the bags can have.

“That bag was a very big turning point in my life; we had not come out of a good situation when we received our bags,” Amy said.

“When I left, I had to rebuild our lives again. The impact he had on me and my daughter mentally and emotionally, you can’t reverse that.

“The bag restores your faith in humanity that not all people are like this. I had a lot of difficultly having showers and there was shampoo and body wash that I hadn’t bought because I was so scared.

“The bag restores your dignity and self-worth.”

Bunnings chief customer officer Rachael McVitty said the organisation was proud to support Share the Dignity this year with collection boxes at all of its Australian stores.

“It’s an incredible achievement for Share the Dignity to mark its 10th year of It’s in the Bag, and we’re humbled to have been able to help over the past eight years.”

She encouraged those who are short on time but still interested in contributing to the campaign to purchase a virtual bag through the Bunnings website.

For more information, including a complete list of donation collection points, head to sharethedignity.org.au

*Pseudonym.