Sharing the Dignity this Christmas

Resthaven Paradise and Eastern Community Services staff have rallied together this festive season, creating special care bags for women living in crisis this Christmas.

Manager, Eli Ulbrich, says, ‘This initiative was brought to us by a staff member, who wanted to be involved in Share the Dignity’s “It’s in the Bag” Christmas appeal.’

‘The idea was really well received across the site, with an influx of staff members across our community wanting to take part.’

‘Staff collected essential toiletry items to fill the bags with products suitable for adult and teen women, to be distributed in time for Christmas.’

‘Essential items contained in each bag included shampoo, conditioner, roll-on deodorant, body wash or soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, and sanitary products.’

‘With all bags containing multiples of each essential item, the team also added a few extras, including shower caps, hair turbans, toothbrush holders, hair clips, lip balm, body and hand moisturiser, facial wipes, tissues, and hairbrushes—just to name a few!’

‘For each bag, staff popped a handwritten note for the recipient in the pocket.’

‘We ended up with enough donated products to make up 10 very full bags—a wonderful achievement.’

‘The bags were donated to the Share the Dignity box at a local Bunnings store, and will be distributed by volunteers to charities across the nation.’

‘Given the success and positive feedback from across the site, staff are keen to participate again next year, with the goal of donating even more bags.’

Share the Dignity is an Australian women’s charity that works to make a real difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness, fleeing domestic violence, or doing it tough.

Resthaven, a fellow charity, is pleased to support this worthy initiative.