by Michaela Meade
Women’s charity Share the Dignity is calling on Victorians to support women and girls in need this Christmas with the annual #ItsInTheBag appeal.
The appeal encourages people to donate a bag and drop off at their local Bunnings store between Friday, November 19 and Sunday, November 28.
The initiative, now in its seventh year, aims to ensure that every woman and girl spending Christmas in a domestic violence shelter receives the basic essentials – including pads and tampons, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner and soap – as well as little luxuries such as hair accessories or a handwritten note.
Share the Dignity Victorian team leader Donna Levinson-Murray said she hoped Victorians would give what they could during this difficult time.
“For many women and teen girls, this is the only gift they will receive this Christmas,” she said.
“I want to encourage Victorians to give where they can, in whatever way they can – that might be putting together a bag, sponsoring a bag online, or as simple as donating the essential items.”
Bunnings’ operations general manager Ryan Baker said the company was excited to support the appeal for the fifth year in a row.
“Our team and customers are excited to once again be getting behind this important campaign to help support some of Australia’s most vulnerable women and girls,” he said.
“It’s been another tough year with communities facing the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 alongside many other challenges.
“We know the need for support in the community is bigger than ever before and we are proud to play a small part in helping Share the Dignity to continue the great work they do.
“If they are able to, we encourage our team and customers to donate and drop a bag in the collection box at their local Bunnings to help make a difference to women and girls in need.”
Details: www.sharethedignity.org.au/itsinthebag
