Share the Dignity are kicking off the #itsinthebag campaign on November 19, in order to help homeless women across Australia this Christmas.
50,000 women and teenage girls will find themselves homeless, sleeping rough or taking refuge in shelters and 55 per cent of these women will be in this situation as a result of fleeing domestic abuse in their homes.
The It’s in the Bag campaign is an opportunity for communities to help out those in need to ensure these women receive a gift this Christmas – a reminder that somebody cares and they are not alone.
Local collections points will open on the day and be looking for donations until December 3.
The campaign asks community members to donate a handbag that is filled with items that would be gratefully received by a homeless woman.
These things could include items such as pads, tampons, deodorants, toothpaste, shower gel, socks, a brush, a magazine, just anything that would make a woman or teenage girl who is struggling feel special.
Individuals donating bags are even encouraged to pop a thoughtful note into the bag, to show these women that someone cares and that they matter.
This is the second year of the initiative.
Share the Dignity founder Rochelle Courtenay said she was blown away by the response to the first campaign, with 27,000 bags donated.
“We wanted to give Aussie women and girls doing it tough at Christmas a reason to smile and feel cared for, as well as restoring some dignity by providing them with handbags filled with essential hygiene products they desperately need, as well as a few little treats,” she said.
“This year we’re doing it all again and we’d love as many Australians to be involved as possible so that all 50,000 homeless women are given a helping hand this Christmas.”
Share the Dignity volunteers will collect donated bags and distribute to domestic abuse shelters and drop-in centres throughout December.
Find out more about Share the Dignity and their campaigns here.
COLLECTION POINTS:
BEAUDESERT: Beaucare – 44 Tina St, Beaudesert.
BROWNS PLAINS: Grand Plaza – 27-49 Browns Plains Road, Browns Plains.
CAPALABA: Capalaba Plaza – 38-62 Moreton Bay Road, Capalaba.
