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    IN THE BAG: Share the Dignity volunteers join forces with Bunnings Horsham employees to raise awareness of women and girls experiencing hardship. From left, volunteer Shelley Mumford, Bunnings employees Sarah Campisi and Abi Sampson and volunteer Bernadette Tillotson. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Volunteers seek support to ‘Share the dignity’ this Christmas

Horsham volunteers are seeking community support to help women and girls who are experiencing homelessness, domestic violence and ‘period poverty’. 

Bunnings Horsham has joined Australian charity Share the Dignity to help supply women and girls in need with sanitary items such as pads and tampons.  

The charity encourages residents to donate a used handbag filled with essential items for its annual ‘It’s in the Bag’ Christmas campaign at Bunnings.

The campaign runs until Sunday. 



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Volunteer Shelley Mumford, who has backed the campaign for the past three years, said the donations would help support women and girls who struggled to afford essential items. 

“I believe that all women deserve the right to have access to sanitary products,” she said.

“Women fleeing homes from domestic violence and seeking refuge who are left strapped for cash will usually prioritise food over sanitary items.

“It’s something that doesn’t get much thought, unless you’ve been through it yourself or have seen how it affects women who are going through hardship and can’t afford these necessities.” 

Last year, the charity donated more than 134,000 handbags to women across Australia. 

Mrs Mumford said the charity aimed to give Australian women and girls doing it tough a reason to smile and feel cared for, as well as restoring some of their dignity.

She said donations would make a ‘massive difference’ to others’ lives, especially during the Christmas period. 

“The donations go a long way and do mean a lot to these women who receive them,” she said.

“I’ve heard feedback from women who have received the items where they get really emotional and can’t believe the community has put so much thought into each donation.” 

Service-providers and charities Horsham’s Christian Emergency Food Centre, Grampians Community Health and Uniting Wimmera help distribute the donated items to women and girls in need. 

– Dylan De Jong 

The entire November 25, 2020 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!

The entire November 25, 2020 edition of AgLife is available online. READ IT HERE!