WHILE it is not always blatantly obvious, period poverty – referring to the lack of access to period products like pads and tampons – is a serious issue that impacts more people than many realise.
In response to this prevalent issue, Woolworths and Share the Dignity are calling on Swan Hill residents to participate in a Dignity Drive following an increased need across Victoria for period care product, aiming to directly address period poverty and increase the number of freely available period care products across the state.
Swan Hill Woolworths store manager David Spark said the partnership is a very welcome one.
“We’re proud to continue our partnership with Share the Dignity and support the meaningful change they are creating,” he said.
Share The Dignity is an Australian women’s charity working towards ending period poverty, collecting hundreds of thousands of period products each year through collection drives and campaigns to distribute to those who need support.
Swan Hill Woolworths team member and former Share the Dignity ambassador Jane Milner is excited to see the pink collection box at the front of the store, as it is an issue that is particularly close to her heart.
“[Share the Dignity] is just about helping others and recognising that period poverty is a real thing that happens to girls in schools and women everywhere,” Ms Milner said.
“Woolies say to team members that you bring a little bit of good to everybody every day, and I feel like today we can really bring some good.”
From Wednesday, customers can purchase any period care product and donate it in the Swan Hill Woolworths store via the pink collection box located at the entry. Selected period care products will also be on sale as part of the Woolworths weekly catalogue as a way to encourage customers to purchase an item for donation.
Share the Dignity Victorian volunteer state team leader Donna Levinson-Murray said she is happy to be partnering with Woolworths again following a successful Dignity Drive in March.
“Our efforts across Swan Hill are well and truly in motion to end period poverty and we are pleased to have the support of Woolworths to raise awareness and lessen the impact again this year,” she said.
Woolworths will also donate five cents from each period care product sold during the drive to help support local community initiatives and Share the Dignity Vending Machines, which offer free period products in accessible bathrooms across a number of community venues and organisations.
“We would like to thank all our Swan Hill customers who have donated, as their generous contribution has helped lessen the impact of an already challenging time,” Mr Spark said.
