Share The Dignity Drive

We are living in some hard times, with ever-increasing numbers of people having to make choices between paying bills and putting food on the table for their families; having to redetermine what necessities are.

One Australian-based organised charity is doing its part to see that sanitary and basic hygiene products are made accessible to all women, especially those suffering from homelessness and poverty. The organisation has three initiatives - two Dignity drives in March and August, and It’s In The Bag campaign in November.

Share The Dignity volunteer Vanessa Johns said the Its In The Bag Campaign was where people donate bags filled with toiletries and essential products to donate to those in need, while August’s Share The Dignity drive was about collecting sanitary products from the public which are then donated back to local charity groups, meaning what is given locally is used locally.

“All our donations stay in Griffith and Leeton,” Ms Johns said.

“Unless we exceed our quota. Then our excess can be used for those communities that have fallen short of their quota to provide a top up.”

A number of businesses are helping the cause this year, with collection stations ready to receive donated items. They include Revive on Banna, Straight Lines Design & Marketing, King’s Pocket, Yenda Hair Affair, St Vincent’s Hospital, Stomp Fashions and Individual Hair Care along with their major sponsor Woolworths (both locations).

“Before the August Dignity Drive began, we reached out to a number of local charities to determine what their needs were,” Ms Johns said.

“As a result, we have six local charities on board.”

“Our aim is to end period poverty and hopefully receive as many donations as what is requested, so no one in our community is going without during their period. Our ultimate goal for our team in Griffith is to obtain a Pink Box, a vending machine which dispenses free sanitary products so that women and girls have access to a sanitary product if they need one. Apart from the dignity drive, we’re working behind the scenes toward getting this vending machine for Griffith.”

• Topics:

• Community
• Charities & Good Causes