Happy BOXES Project
As a result of overcrowding and structural faults Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are experiencing unacceptable living standards in which they don’t have access to basic human necessities. We spoke with representative for The Happy Boxes Project, Louise Morrisey to find out how Happy Boxes brings hope into these people’s lives.
How did the The Happy Boxes Project begin?
The Happy Boxes Project started when founder Emma Sullings was working, living, and learning in remote communities in the Northern Territory as a teacher. It was during this time that she realised how difficult it was for women, particularly Indigenous women, to access basic needs such as food and toiletries.
The idea was born to send a ‘Happy Box’ to spread some happiness to remote communities by providing simple items like shampoo, deodorant, soap, and feminine hygiene products.
Happy Boxes has now grown to support more than 25 communities, over four states.
What is your overall aim is as a charity?
Women in our own backyard in Australia are going without basic toiletries. Accessibility to simple items like tampons, pads, deodorant, and make up is challenging when the closest store can be up to
1000km away. Some communities are at the end of
750km of harsh, red dirt roads. Others can be cut off by flood waters for months at a time. Some are only accessible via boat or plane. Some communities may be lucky enough to have a small store, but the prices of basic items are exuberant.
A Happy Box is a collection of toiletries and beauty products put together and sent to a woman in a remote community. The purpose of a Happy Box is to not only provide access to women who would otherwise go without, but to spread kindness and happiness.
Why should our subscribers donate to The Happy Boxes Project?
There are several ways you can help The Happy Boxes Project. By putting together and sending your own Happy Box, you may enrich a young woman’s wellbeing i a remote community.
Your donation will help The Happy Boxes Project reach goals of being able to provide essential items to women in all remote communities all over Australia.
You can also purchase merchandise or a Juuni Happy Box. The Juuni Happy Box will be sent directly to a remote Indigenous community throughout the Northern Territory and Western Australia.
What are some recent projects you've been working on?
We are currently getting ready to move into our new home. Nestled amongst the Toormina community on Gumbaynngirr Country is a beautiful space for us to move into, which we will call ‘The Happy Hub.’ It will not only be an office space, but a storage facility and packing venue so that we can safely enlist the help of more volunteers. Over time, it will become a place of connection for local Aboriginal women.
How does The Happy Boxes Project encourage the empowerment of women?
We believe it is unacceptable for women to go without basic toiletries in our own backyard. We support the empowerment of women through alleviating the barriers of accessing basic needs.
Donate to Happy Boxes Project at: https://happyboxesproject.com/
@happyboxesproject
@happyboxesproject