In the spirit of giving back to those in the community most in need, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Queensland Branch has generously donated, sourced and packed more than 500 essential items, which will go towards the Share the Dignity national charity.
This comes following news earlier this week that Scotland has become the first nation to make period products free for all – a significant step in the fight against Period Poverty.
“Proud to Share the Dignity”
Beginning with bushfires and floods, and culminating with the Covid-19 pandemic, 2020 has been a tumultuous year for everyone, and particularly those in vulnerable situations.
As reported by The Sydney Morning Herald, issues such as domestic and family violence increased this year, particularly during Covid-19, with “4.6% of all women reporting that the experienced violence from February to May this year”, while “33% of women reported experiencing violence in their relationship for the first time”.
“The Guild is proud to have a long-standing relationship with Share the Dignity and Founder Rochelle Courtenay, having donated bags to this valuable cause since 2017,” says Queensland Branch President, Professor Trent Twomey.
“We’re proud to Share the Dignity and hope that the 45 bags we are donating [this year] will help these women in need and support them in the lead up to Christmas.
“These donations are in addition to the essential items that Queensland community pharmacies are also collecting for Share the Dignity and vulnerable women.”
Professor Twomey adds that items going into the donation bags, include:
- Sanitary items
- Toothbrushes
- Toothpaste
- Deodorants
- Body washes
- Shampoos
- Conditioners.
He adds there will also be a special gift added, with all donations packed in “new handbags and backpacks”.
“Thank you to all Guild staff, our Branch Committee, and members who generously collected and donated [these essential] items,” adds Professor Twomey.
What is Share the Dignity?
Share the Dignity is a national charity “working to end period poverty in Australia”.
According to their website, they aim to “make a real, on the ground difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness, fleeing domestic violence, or doing it tough”.
“We believe that everyone deserves to be afforded the dignity so many of us take for granted,” they state.
Call to donate
Professor Twomey is calling out to anyone who is able and would like to support the Share the Dignity charity and its, ‘It’s in the Bag’ campaign, to do so.
More information on the charity and how to make a donation can be found at: sharethedignity.org.au/
Anyone experiencing domestic and family violence is encouraged to contact the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service on 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
