FORMER Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke famously once said, “by 1990 no Australian child will be living in poverty”.

Tragically, 27 years down the track that commitment is far from a reality.

According to the Australian Council of Social Service, more than 730,000 children or 17.4 percent of all children in Australia are living in poverty, that’s an increase of two percent in the decade between 2004 and 2014.

The ‘Share the Dignity’ Organisation came into being to oversee a number of initiatives that give back to Australian women and children in need.

Last year the generosity of the women in the Myall saw more than 50 handbags full of essential items and gifts donated as part of the charity’s “In the Bag” Christmas campaign.

Now, coming into the month of April ‘Share the Dignity’ is calling on the public to donate sanitary items for homeless women.

Tea Gardens Mum of two, Jodie Genner is once again front and centre of the campaign in the Myall area.

“I am now a registered volunteer for ‘Share the Dignity,’ Jodie told News Of The Area.

This means Jodie can act as a collector for the not-for-profit organisation.

“I have a collection box and so anyone can drop in sanitary items for the whole month of April and in August as well.”

So if you’d like to lend a helping hand just drop your donation into Century 21 on Marine Drive at Tea Gardens.

For more information or to volunteer your time go to www.sharethdignity.com.au.

 

By Margie TIERNEY