I grumble and complain about the cost of tampons and pads – and why there is GST applied to an already ridiculous cost – but, the thing is, I have really no need to grumble.
I’m one of the lucky ones. I have the means to go out and stock up each month. Thousands of women in Australia do not. Imagine having to come up with rudimentary substitutes or go without food for your family, just to be able to purchase a pack of tampons.
This is the situation that more than 85,000 homeless women in Australia find themselves in – every month. It’s the reason that the incredible Rochelle Courtney founded Australian women’s charity Share The Dignity.
What started with just Rochelle collecting and distributing sanitary products to women’s shelters in her local area has grown to become a national charity with 1500 volunteers across the country helping to give back a little dignity to women in need.
I know that there are many, many charitable organisations that need our help and support and I know it’s impossible to support each and every one but I’d love you to join Share The Dignity – It’s In The Bag – Christmas campaign.
I only heard about this campaign last year after the cut-off date for donations, so this year, I thought I’d not only join in myself, but I’d appeal to the generous and supportive Styling You community – YOU – to join in too.
It’s in the bag #itinthebag
In a nutshell, the It’s In The Bag campaign is about filling a handbag with pads, tampons and personal hygiene products so that this bag can be passed on to a woman or girl experiencing poverty and/or having fled violent situations this Christmas.
Look in your wardrobe. There may be a bag there that is in great condition but one you don’t use any more. If you don’t have a spare bag, consider buying a Handbag with Heart bag from Share The Dignity.
Then when you do your weekly grocery shop, add one or two items each week to fill your bag.
This year you can also buy a Handbag With Heart bag protector to store all the products in. This not only keeps all the products from spilling out of the bag but also gives the recipient an extra bag as a gift.
Bags can be left at collection points from November 18-December 2. This year’s collection points will be announced in November. If you’d like to volunteer to be a collection point, details are HERE (registration is open until October 31).
Let’s do this
I feel very strongly about this charity and this campaign. I know that it will be something that really resonates with you too.
I’ve got two bags all set to go. I shopped my local supermarket, thinking about the little life luxuries and essentials that I’m fortunate to have in my bathroom – things I take for granted each time I re-stock. I’m not going to do that any more.
So, are you with me? Will you fill a bag and help bring a little happiness to an Australian woman or girl this Christmas?
Comments 25
I think this a terrific way to show we really do care.
I’ve been spreading the word up here and so far the response has been amazing.
I have bags to go, so where are the drop off points in Cairns North Queensland?
Where are the collection points in Canberra? Specifically addresses. Friends & I have bags to go.
This is a fantastic way to help. I started collecting this week, could you let me know the drop off point on the Gold Coast QLD 🙂
I’m with you.
Yes. I’m in…Starting this week…Just need to know cut-off date and pickup point.
Thank you so much!!!!
Interestingly, another friend of mine mentioned this charity on FaceBook this week! So I think it’s meant to be. I will certainly be contributing this year.
I have prepared two bags and just waiting for details of the collection points. In the past my children and I have donated to the shoebox appeal, however this year they too were keen to ‘share the dignity’. As we chose products it was hard to imagine not being able to buy yourself a Chapstick or some tissues etc.
I have prepared two bags and just waiting for details of the collection points. In the past my children and I have donated to the shoebox appeal, however this year they too were keen to ‘share the dignity’. As we chose products it was hard to imagine not being able to buy yourself a Chapstick or some tissues etc.
I’m in. I’ve donated to a similar drive before.
I’m in! Like others have mentioned, I like to give donations in honour of my loved ones who have passed and for whom I would have bought a Christmas present.
I’m in! Like others have mentioned, I like to give donations in honour of my loved ones who have passed and for whom I would have bought a Christmas present.
Hi Nikki, I always donate 5 things to charity each christmas, one for each member of my family. Last year was 5 bags, this year 6 cos of daughters boyfriend… I noticed in your picture above a packet of razors. Big no no. (Straight from the website – no razors, knives, scissors.) xx
Thanks for the reminder! I dropped a couple of bags off last year and am keen for a repeat performance this year. It’s such a great initiative – sometimes it’s the little things that can make a big difference!
I too missed the cut off point last year, so plan to get organised early this year to have a bag filled with supplies 🙂
I’m with you.
I love Share the Dignity; it’s our charity of choice at Retiring not Shy! I have a Jane bag half packed and plan to get some more bits and pieces today. I was appalled when Rochelle first brought to my attention the number of homeless older women.
What a great idea … count me in ! Looks like someone has already volunteered to be a collection point in my suburb in Sydney (Strathfield NSW).
I’ve been meaning to donate some sanitary items to Share The Dignity this year during their drives but for whatever reason missed the cut-off point both times, so I definitely feel it’s time I donated those + some extra beauty essentials I’ve got lying around to them.
I would like to be a collection point within my group of family and friends.
I’m in Strathfield NSW
Hi Lina, I’m at Abbotsford and happy to drop off a couple of bags to you if you want to send me your contact details. Lynn Taravel.
I heard about this idea earlier this year and really wanted to help out so this is the perfect opportunity. Thanks for letting us know the details. I’m sure every bag will be gratefully received
Such a great cause. Will there be national collection points or is this Queensland only?
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The link to collection points on this post shows all the points around Australia x
Of course I will help out a fellow woman in need Nikk, I love the idea of giving some happiness to someone else,paying it forward Xx
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Thanks you Lisa x