‘Sheroes’ help to share the dignity in vital service
THE motivation for the Tablelands’ Tania Bolger and Jennifer Jonsson to volunteer their time to Share the Dignity was simple.
Every period product — pads, tampons, menstrual cups and period underwear — dropped into the pink box at the Atherton Square WoolTHE worths during this month’s Dignity Drive would go towards helping prevent period poverty on the Tablelands.
“I’ve heard of women using newspaper during their period and that’s really heartbreaking because these things are necessities and not luxury items,” Ms Bolger said.
“We work with Share the Dignity because everything donated during the Dignity Drive and November Handbag Drive stays in this community, it’s not like other charities where the money goes overseas but goes to women living in our community.
“We’re not asking people to spend $100, we ask that when you’re buying something for yourself you pick up an extra packet and drop that in the box because it will go to helping women in places like Atherton and Ravenshoe and other little towns around the area.”
Ms Jonsson said her reward was receiving feedback that the period products collected during the Dignity Drive were making a real difference.
“The charities are ever so grateful and I enjoy knowing I’m helping someone.”
“We are all ‘sheroes’ in my eyes, even though Tania and I collect and distribute the goods it wouldn’t be possible if we didn’t have these donations, so I thank those who donate time and time again.”
Visit sharethedignity.com.au or drop period products, in the original packaging, into the pink box near the self-service checkout at the Atherton Square Woolworths.