Bag donations expected to bounce back for Christmas appeal

BUNNINGS Warehouses across the region will today begin accepting essential items for Australian women living in a refugee or domestic violence shelters, as the #ItsInTheBag initiative enters its eighth year.

Running from November 18 to November 27, Share The Dignity’s annual Christmas appeal is hoping for a bounce back in donation numbers nationwide this year, following the non-profit charity’s 30,000-bag average deficit from 2020-21.

“We’re expecting to have more than 140,000 charity requests this year, and we’re hopeful that Australians will take this opportunity to give where they can if they’re able to do so,” Share the Dignity Founder and Managing Director, Rochelle Courtenay said.

“That might be lovingly putting together a bag with a handwritten note, donating online, or volunteering your time.

“It’s been an especially challenging period for many women and girls, and this might be the only gift they will receive this Christmas.”

Share the Dignity volunteer leader for the region and Leopold resident Deborah Gould said she is hoping to see more residents rally behind the cause than ever before to assist in filling the expected 28,000 requests.

“This year, we predict to see charity requests for bags in Victoria to reach 28,000,” Ms Gould said.

“I would love to see the bags donated this year exceed the 13,434 bags donated in 2021, so we can give more women and girls in need something special this Christmas.

“I want to encourage Victorians to give where they can, in whatever way they can.

“That might be putting together a bag, sponsoring a bag online, or as simple as donating the essential items or sharing our social media posts to raise awareness.”

Bunnings is supporting Share the Dignity’s #ItsInTheBag appeal for the sixth year running, with the annual appeal collecting over 540,000 bags through Bunnings stores to date.

Local warehouses where donations can be made include Bunnings Leopold, Bunnings Waurn Ponds and Bunnings Geelong North.

People wanting to support the initiative can drop-off an #ItsInTheBag donation to their nearest Bunnings store, sponsor a Bag online, or register to become a Share the Dignity volunteer.

Donations will be distributed to Australians in need in time for Christmas via Share the Dignity’s 3000 charity partners, and supporters can Sponsor A Bag year-round.