Share the Dignity

Dignity Drive November 2021

"I was so proud as we unloaded all our boxes... so happy and inspired that in just five weeks we were able to raise so much awareness."

I was really excited when, as a school project this term, we were tasked with organising a community service project to benefit our local community. We split into four groups, each with our own focus to address. Our group of nine researched Women's Refuges around our local area, the importance of refuges and found out the sort of things we could do to support them.

We came across an organisation called Share The Dignity and their annual donation drive #itsinthebag - that was coming up in a few weeks. Share The Dignity works to make a real, on-the-ground difference in the lives of women and girls experiencing homelessness, fleeing domestic violence or doing it tough. They distribute sanitary items to those in need and work to end period poverty here in Australia. (www.sharethedignity.org.au/about).

We brainstormed and delegated jobs in the weeks to come and I was so pleased to see everyone's enthusiasm and eagerness to help out.

It was with this positive energy that in just five short weeks, we were able to set up four donation boxes and collect over $200 worth of sanitary items to donate! I was so proud as we unloaded all our boxes at the donation site. We managed to collect over $100 worth of products from donations plus over $100 more using the money we'd fund-raised. We had to leave our pink boxes outside the main donation box as it was going to overflow, thanks to everyone else who had donated too! I was so happy and inspired that in just five weeks we were able to raise so much awareness about period poverty and get so many people involved. It was honestly so inspiring.

Our experience just goes to show that with a good group of people and positive intentions, you can do a lot for our world, just by helping around your local area. I hope we have inspired you to make that first change.

Resources

Website: Share the Dignity

Instagram: @sharethedignityaustralia