RESIDENTS are encouraged to donate sanitary products to provide local women a sense of dignity at a time when they need it most.
Sue Lacey is co-ordinating local efforts for the Share the Dignity campaign, which aims to provide tampons, sanitary pads and other products to domestic violence refuges and homeless shelters.
The mental health advocate has signed up Fishers IGA, Terry White Chemist and Woolworths to the cause, with the three businesses to be collection points for the campaign.
“Most charities that provide these services are based in Melbourne, but this one really got to me as it is local. All products purchased and donated here are kept here,” Ms Lacey said.
Last year’s efforts saw the organisation collect and distribute more than 150,000 packets of tampons and pads nationally to women’s shelters and various organisation assisting women fleeing domestic violence, as well as to risk and disadvantaged women.
“No woman should suffer the indignity of choosing between eating, feeding her children or buying sanitary items,” Share the Dignity founder, Rochelle Courtney said.
“This appeal provides a necessity for women, giving them back their dignity at a time when they need it the most.”
All products between now and August will go to local services providers, including Northern District Community Health Service, to assist women who are facing domestic violence issues or financial struggles.
For further details on the initiative, visit www.sharethedignity.com.au
