From Friday, 15 November, to Sunday, 1 December 2024, pakenham residents are invited to fill bags with essential items such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, and dropped them off at decorated collection boxes at Bunnings Pakenham.
This initiative by “Share the Dignity” calls on Australians to help women and girls facing homelessness, domestic violence or poverty each November.
Share the Dignity founder and managing director, Rochelle Courtenay, said “Together over the last ten years we have helped ensure almost one million women and girls who are waking up on Christmas morning in domestic violence refuges and homeless shelters have the dignity they deserve.”
One woman, who wished to remain anonymous, knows firsthand the impact an ‘It’s in the Bag’ donation can have, having received a bag for her and her daughter after fleeing their family home.
“That bag was a very big turning point in my life, we had not come out of a good situation when we received our bags,” Amy said.
“When I left, I had to rebuild our lives again. The impact that he had on me and my daughter mentally and emotionally, you can’t reverse that.
“The bag restores your faith in humanity that not all people are like this… The bag restores your dignity and self-worth.”
Bunnings Chief Customer Officer, Rachael McVitty, said “We’re proud to be supporting ‘Share The Dignity’ this year with collection boxes at all of our Australian stores, welcoming ‘It’s in the Bag’ donations for vulnerable women and girls in need.”
Those wanting to support women and girls like Amy and her daughter can drop-off an ’It’s in the Bag’ donation to their nearest Bunnings store from 15 November – 1 December 2024, sponsor a bag online, or register to become a ‘Share the Dignity volunteer’.
Donations will be distributed to Australians in need in time for Christmas via ’Share the Dignity’s’ 3000 charity partners.
