Torquay steps up for women in need

THE volunteers at St Luke’s Opportunity Shop are helping drive another successful year for Share the Dignity’s Christmas appeal in Torquay, packing a record number of handbags to donate to women and girls in need.

For the eighth year, the op shop team is collecting and assembling handbags filled with essential items such as shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, bodywash, toothpaste and sanitary products.

These will be distributed to local charities supporting women experiencing homelessness, escaping family violence or facing financial hardship.

 

“If you were alone, no home, nothing of your own, what a comfort a bag of essential items would be to you – and we all feel that and we want to do something about it,” St Luke’s co-ordinator Jill Shaw said.

Preparing for the campaign is a year-round process for St Luke’s. The shop receives donated handbags and essential items throughout the year, while its volunteers purchase any supplementary items that might be needed to compile the handbags.

On Monday, seven of its dedicated volunteers came together to pack this year’s record donation of 40 bags.

 

Ms Shaw said the generosity of the Torquay community was the reason the shop’s effort has continued to grow.

“They’re outstanding. You only have to say you need something and it happens,” she said.

St Luke’s is just one of the dedicated groups across the region supporting the Christmas appeal this year. In Anglesea, the Sewing Group with a Purpose group has donated 50 handmade tote bags, while Bunnings Torquay has held “Decorate to Donate” DIY workshops to help put together support packs for this year’s campaign.

Share the Dignity Torquay coordinator Donna Symes is working towards a goal of 300 donated bags this year – the region’s biggest target yet.

As in previous years, contributors do not need to provide fully completed bags. All donations, including loose items, will be put to good used. Medication, food or sharp objects cannot be donated.

 

Ms Symes said the need remained significant.

“Your life can change in a minute. I’m fortunate at the moment, but who knows – nobody knows – what curveballs can be thrown at us.”

Donations can be delivered to Bunnings Torquay until November 30.

For more information about Share the Dignity, head to sharethedignity.org.au

To support the local effort, email Donna Symes via email at [email protected]