With vaccine rates surging and Covid-19 lockdowns and restrictions starting to become a distant memory, it’s said that hygiene complacency is becoming an increasing risk, putting further strain on vulnerable communities.
While most Australians are helping to protect themselves and their communities by wearing face masks, using hand sanitiser soaps and antibacterial wipes, for the 13.6% of the population living below the poverty line, access to hygiene essentials can be challenging, leaving these communities more exposed to germs.
In response to this and to support vulnerable communities, Dettol is partnering with over 75 Australian charities, disadvantaged schools and community groups to distribute more than $7 million worth of hygiene products.
The initiative is part of Dettol’s mission to close the hygiene gap in Australia.
The donation of 2 million items of instant hand sanitiser and wipes will help to ensure vulnerable Australians have access to hygiene products as we re-emerge into the community.
Henry Turgoose, Marketing Director at Reckitt Health AU, says, “While Australia’s roadmap to reopen is on track, the pandemic is not yet over, and many of our most vulnerable communities are still in vital need of essential hygiene products, including the homeless, children and youth, people with disabilities, migrant and ethnic groups just to name a few.
“We must continue to raise awareness that in addition to vaccination, hand hygiene is a number one way to prevent the spread germs in the community.
“We’re proud to be able to offer our support to these communities to help them protect the ones they love, and themselves, through access to our hygiene products” he says.
To help provide some of the essential products needed for these communities, Dettol is working with Good360, a not-for-profit organisation that matches essential goods to the Australians who need them most.
“We are a lucky country and because of this, it’s easy for many Australians to take for granted access to hygiene necessities like hand sanitisers, soaps and wipes,” says Alison Covington, Founder & Managing Director, from Good360.
“But during the pandemic, and now as we emerge from restrictions, we’re increasingly being asked by our vulnerable communities for support and advice about how to access these products.”
“Many Australians want to do the right thing and protect themselves and in turn their loved ones by maintaining good hygiene habits,” says Ms Covington.
“These product donations from Dettol will not only empower our community to achieve this but will help them feel less vulnerable when asking for help.”
