A bag of essentials for women in need this Christmas

Share the Dignity has launched its annual campaign to ensure every woman and girl spending Christmas in domestic violence shelters has basic essentials.

The Christmas appeal “#ItsInTheBag” encourages people to donate a bag of essential items such as pads and tampons, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner and soap as well as little luxuries such as hair accessories or a handwritten note.

Local donations can be dropped off at Bunnings Warragul until Sunday, November 28.

Share the Dignity Victoria team leader Donna Levinson-Murray said fulfilling this year’s requests would be no easy feat.

“As a Victorian, I understand how hard the impact of COVID-19 and the lockdowns has been.

“For many women and teen girls, this is the only gift they will receive this Christmas.

“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,” Ms Levinson-Murray said.

With COVID-19 pushing more vulnerable women and girls below the poverty line, and at greater risk of homelessness and domestic violence, #ItsInTheBag donations are in high demand.

Share the Dignity founder and managing director Rochelle Courtenay says the charity received 50,000 fewer bags in 2020, compared to 2019.

“This just shows the strain on those who might not be able to donate at this time, but the need is still there – in fact, we are seeing more vulnerable women and girls looking for support than ever before,” Ms Courtenay said.

Gabi Alosi received an #ItsInTheBag donation when she found herself homeless at the age of 22 and knows first-hand how a simple gift can provide hope and dignity.

She ended up in a youth homeless shelter due to mental health struggles.

“I wouldn’t wish that on anybody else.

“The bag made me feel incredibly loved and cared for, and that was something I hadn’t experienced in a long time either from myself or others.

“It meant a lot to me that people felt that I even deserved to receive a bag, and that they were proud of me for moving forward in my life,” Ms Alosi said.

Share the Dignity was founded in 2015 when Rochelle Courtenay first leant of homeless women going without basic period products during their menstrual cycle.  Since its inception, the charity has donated over three million packets of pads and tampons with the help of 5500 volunteers nationwide.

To join the campaign, fill a bag with essential items and drop off to Bunnings Warragul, sponsor a bag through www.sharethedignity.org.au/itsinthebag or became a volunteer.