Being described as a bag lady is a somewhat derogatory remark, but a group of ladies in Millthorpe and surrounds have joined a nationwide program that upends that notion.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
‘It’s in the bag’ was developed by the Share the Dignity organisation who realised that although we manage the needs of children at Christmas, ensuring they're cared for and made to feel special, the same can't always be said for those women who put the needs of others before their own.
“It’s a really simple idea that’s begun to pick up a lot of traction,” said co-organiser Mary Dowrick Debere, “All people have to do is find an old handbag and fill it with items that they feel that they would want, if they were in the position that these women are.”
Co-organiser Genni Kane said that the bags were available to women that crossed all ages, situations and locations and wasn’t just aimed at those living on the street in urban areas.
“The bags are distributed to women living in refuges as well as those living on the street,” she said.
“Not only those people though the bags are also sent out to regional areas where there are so many women that need help, and also to women who have had to, for whatever reason, leave home in a hurry.”
For their first collection, the pair are astonished at the response.
“There are at least 100 bags here,” Mary said, “and some of the items that people have put in them have been incredibly touching and include books and hand-written notes offering support.”
The list of suggested items that are on the Share the Dignity website include pads, tampons, baby wipes, cleansing wipes, tissues deodorants, perfume, soap, shampoo and conditioner, shampoo in a can, toothpaste and toothbrush, hair ties and hair brush, sunscreen, movie voucher, gift voucher, meal voucher, poncho, scarf, jewellery or trinket, lotions, creams, smelly stuff, card or note, book, socks and undies.
Some of the bags have ribbons tied to them, an indication that not all the bags are destined for older generations.
“Some bags are filled with products that are more suited and aimed at the teenage market. It’s incredibly sad that there are very young women who need our help out there in our cities and regional areas,” Genni said.
- Nominate a village person by calling 6368 2132