Health News
Share the Dignity
Share the Dignity
Bagging a Christmas Miracle: Share the Dignity call on generosity of community to meet increased demand from women & girls in need
Share the Dignity is calling on New South Wales residents to support women and girls in need this Christmas through their annual #ItsInTheBag Christmas appeal, encouraging people to donate a filled bag and drop off at their local Bunnings store between Friday 19 November and Sunday 28 November 2021.
Share the Dignity
The initiative, which is now in its seventh year, aims to ensure that every woman and girl in need receives a Christmas gift, a gift of the basic essentials – including pads and/or tampons, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner and soap – as well as little luxuries such as hair accessories or a handwritten note.
With COVID-19 pushing more women and girls below the poverty line, and at greater risk of homelessness and domestic violence, #ItsInTheBag donations are in high demand, due to the persistent COVID-19 lockdowns and financial stress impacting many Australians, Share the Dignity Founder and Managing Director, Rochelle Courtenay, said the charity was preparing for another donation deficit in 2021.
“We saw the impact of COVID-19 on our collection last year – nationally, we received 50,000 fewer bags in 2020, compared to 2019. This just shows the strain on those who might not be able to donate at this time, but the need is still there – in fact, we are seeing more vulnerable women and girls looking for support than ever before,” Ms. Courtenay said.
Share the Dignity New South Wales Team Leader, Leanne Pitt-Barile added “We are expecting requests for bags this year to hit 35,000 and I know meeting those requests will be a challenge this year”.
“For many, this is the only gift they will receive this Christmas, so I encourage everyone to give in whatever way they can – that might be putting together a bag, sponsoring a bag online, or even donating the essential items, every little bit helps,” Ms. Pitt-Barile said.
Gabi Alosi received an #ItsInTheBag donation when she found herself homeless at the age of 22 and knows first-hand how a simple gift can provide hope and dignity.
“I experienced homelessness through my mental health. I had a suicide attempt and wasn’t allowed to come back to my residence. So, I ended up in a youth homeless shelter. I wouldn’t wish that on anybody else,” Gabi said.
“The bag made me feel incredibly loved and cared for, and that was something I hadn’t experienced in a long time either from myself or others. It meant a lot to me that people felt that I even deserved to receive a bag, and that they were proud of me for moving forward in my life.”
Bunnings’ General Manager – Operations Ryan Baker said they were proud to support Share the Dignity’s #ItsInTheBag appeal for the fifth year running, with the annual appeal collecting over 500,000 bags to date.
“Our team and customers are excited to once again be getting behind this important campaign to help support some of Australia’s most vulnerable women and girls.
“It’s been another tough year with communities facing the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 alongside many other challenges. We know the need for support in the community is bigger than ever before and we are proud to play a small part in helping Share the Dignity to continue the great work they do,” continued Ryan.
“Our team love this campaign, with the decoration of the collection boxes hitting new creative heights each year. If they are able to, we encourage our team and customers to donate and drop a bag in the collection box at their local Bunnings to help make a difference to women and girls in need,” said Ryan.
Those wanting to support women and girls like Gabi can drop-off an #ItsInTheBag donation to their nearest Bunnings store from 19-28 November 2021 or Sponsor a Bag online. Donations will be distributed to women and girls in need in time for Christmas via Share the Dignity’s charity partners.
