Community & Business
21 November, 2023
Bags to make a difference
MANY local women are facing hardship this Christmas, and Atherton Bunnings has partnered with Share the Dignity to gather bags of essential hygiene products for donation through the It’s In The Bag drive.
So far, several Share the Dignity volunteers have collected hundreds of bags of items, including shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, roll-on deodorant and period products and dropped them off to their nearest Bunnings.
After donating anonymously for several years, Mareeba business owner and domestic violence survivor Michelle Mills decided to open up on her Facebook, encouraging people to donate.
“With domestic violence being as frequent as it is these days, it’s a charity that I think it really valuable in the community,” she said.
“These bags get distributed to women who are in need, and I was reading some articles on women who have received these bags and how much of a difference they really make.
“One, for example, was of this woman who still uses the soap she was given from one of the bags because it’s a feeling of safety for her, and it is incredible to see how much the impacts people.”
Bunnings Atherton store manager Kristen Burville said this was the seventh time Atherton has participated in the drive and encouraged customers to get involved.
“For the seventh year in a row, Bunnings and Share the Dignity are calling on Aussies to donate and drop a bag in one of the collection boxes at their local Bunnings store to help make a difference to women and girls in need,” she said.
“The appeal helps ensure vulnerable women and girls receive basic essentials for Christmas with bags distributed to the local community.”
Bags can be dropped off at Atherton Bunnings until Sunday, 26 November.
Bags can include the essentials such as period products, roll-on deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner and soap, plus luxuries like lip balm and new socks, a magazine or a book.
To learn more about what can go in the bags and to read more about Share the Dignity, visit www.sharethedignity.org.au/itsinthebag
