It's in the Bag

Share the Dignity, the national charity which aims to solve period poverty for women and teens experiencing homelessness and domestic violence, is urging for essential hygiene donations as part of the 'It's in the Bag' Christmas appeal.

Over 3 million Australians are living below the poverty line* and as a result many women and girls are unable to afford clean and safe sanitary items on a monthly basis. The charity's mission is stronger than ever with requests for bag donations from its charity partners growing year on year.

Along with handbags and backpacks filled with hygiene items for women and teenage girls, the charity is also asking for nappy bags for new or expectant mothers experiencing homelessness, domestic violence and period poverty. Requests for these bags have increased, with charities reporting a demand for female sanitary items and products for newborns.

Bunnings is supporting the 'It's in the Bag' Christmas appeal for a third year, with over 245,000 bags collected in stores across the country since 2017. Share the Dignity founder, Rochelle Courtenay, says their aim is to give Aussie women and teenage girls a reason to smile and feel cared for this festive season.

"We want to restore some of their dignity with these generous bag donations, filled with essentials, plus a treat or two they can't afford to buy themselves, like a book, lip balm or a pair of socks. We hear stories from women who have not received a Christmas gift since they were children, so any additional items people can afford to donate really do make a huge difference", said Rochelle.

With drop-off points across all 300 Australian Bunnings stores, it's easy for everyone to get involved and help those in need.

"We have been truly blown away by the support 'It's in the Bag' receives every year. To continue supplying bags to those in need, I'd like to encourage Australians to get involved and donate a bag suited for an adult female, teenage girl or new mum."

This year's appeal finishes on Saturday 7 December and once bags are collected by Share the Dignity volunteers they will be delivered to shelters, charities and drop-in centres across inner-city, suburban, regional and rural locations across the country, just in time for Christmas.

To support this year's appeal and help share the dignity this Christmas, visit your local Bunnings:
Drop off locations: All Bunnings stores across Australia
When: Friday 22 November to Saturday 7 December 2019

'It's in the Bag' how-to guide:
1. Donate a handbag or backpack in good, used condition
2. Fill it with items that will make a difference to the daily life of a vulnerable woman or teenager
3. Include essentials; sanitary items, roll-on deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo and soap, plus nappies, rash cream and breastfeeding pads if you're donating a nappy bag
4. If you can, add some little extras like lip balm and new socks, a magazine, book or notepad, anything that would make a woman or teenage girl feel special this Christmas

For more information, visit the Share the Dignity website