Jimboomba paramedic Jodie Bennett has put the call out for donations of sanitary items to help homeless women in the Logan and Brisbane areas.
Ms Bennett would also like to raise funds to be able to purchase clean underwear in all shapes and sizes to be given out when she goes to give homeless women a few sanitary items.
After being a paramedic for 27 years and Ms Bennett has seen many homeless women around the Logan area have issues when it came to finding sanitary items.
“These women don’t have many options,” she said.
“A woman goes through this every month and it saddens me that we don’t do anything about it.
“Pads and tampons are seen as non-essential luxury items by our government, how dare they call it a luxury.”
Ms Bennett said some women may have to go without because of the tax on the items.
“It is a monthly necessity,” she said.
“It is unhealthy for women to go without.
“These women can get infections and virus’ even when they are just trying their best.
“We want them to feel a little bit more human.”
Ms Bennett said she has seen women make do with toilet paper, newspaper and even leaves.
“It hits a personal note with me and I want them to have that access,” she said.
“I thought you know what we need to do something about this.”
Ms Bennett has approached local businesses to place collection boxes and donation tins in their shops and Bluebirds Early Learning Centre has jumped on board, not only at their Jimboomba Centre, but centres across Queensland.
Bluebirds centre manager Kylie Mills said they were using the collection project for June’s Kindy of Kindness project, but would they would be extending collecting through July too.
“We thought it would be great to support her,” she said.
“We’ve now got six of our centres on board.”
Ms Bennett can pick up any sanitary item donations and can give receipts for monetary donations.
If anyone would like to have a collection point or donation tin contact Ms Bennett on 0412 973 396.
