WITH the help of Bunnings and the generosity of locals, Share the Dignity have managed to collect 115 bags for women in need in the region.
Mallee Family Care, Mallee Sexual Assault Unit and Headspace will receive these bags filled with essential toiletries like a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, plus some little luxuries like hair accessories, to brighten some lives this festive period.
The handmade mega-handbag to receive these donations was also generously made by the Swan Hill Woodworkers Club, to house the collections at Bunnings from November 19 to November 28.
The Share the Dignity initiative is now in its seventh year and aims to give every woman and girl in a domestic violence shelter or a similarly vulnerable position a bit of a boost.
“With COVID-19 pushing more vulnerable women and girls below the poverty line, and at greater risk of homelessness and domestic violence, #ItsInTheBag donations are in high demand,” a spokesperson said.
“According to recent research from the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Centre for Justice, more than 60 per cent of domestic and family violence service providers across the country reported an increase in the number of people seeking help during the early stages of the pandemic.”
Due to the financial stress impacting many Australians as a result of COVID-19 uncertainty, 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 last year – nationally, we received 50,000 fewer bags in 2020, compared to 2019,” Ms Courtenay said.
“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.”
While the collection period at Swan Hill Bunnings has come to an end, the public can still donate by mailing a donation directly to Share the Dignity, PO Box 345, Sandgate QLD 4017.
Alternatively, members of the public can sponsor a bag through sharethedignity.org.au/get-involved/sponsor-a-bag-21 and the team will pack a bag and get it to someone in need.
If any other local charity would live to receive these vital bags in 2022, registration can also be completed through the website.
