NEARLY 173,000 women and girls across our country sought help from homelessness services in 2017.

Modern Media: Advertise with News Of The Area and you get your ad in 1) in Print, 2) on the News Website (like this ad), and 3) on our Social Media news site. A much more efficient way to advertise. Reach a HUGE audience for a LOW price TODAY! Call us on 02 4983 2134. Or media@newsofthearea.com.au
Or CLICK FOR ADVERT QUOTE

This toll has risen by 21 percent over the past four years.

Domestic and family violence has been identified as the main reason for this rise in numbers.

Share the Dignity, is a national charitable organisation founded by Ms Rochelle Courtenay that assists homeless women and those experiencing domestic violence.

With more than 4,000 ‘Sheroes’ and volunteers across Australia, Ms Courtenay and her team successfully campaigned the Federal Government to abolish the GST on sanitary items.

Each year Share the Dignity calls on Australians to donate essential hygiene items as part of ‘It’s in the Bag’ Christmas donation drive.

Since 2015 the charity has collected more than 1.2 million packets of sanitary items.

Ms Courtenay said, “Christmas is such a special time, but we tend to forget there’s many people who need our help.”

“Donating a bag filled with hygienic essentials is a small but extremely impactful gesture that people can take part in.”

This year ‘It’s in the Bag’ received a massive 138,000 handbags filled with donation for Share the Dignity, easily exceeding the 120,000 target set.

New South Wales, including Port Stephens donations made at Bunnings Heatherbrae totaled 36,400 bags.

A local Port Stephens ‘Shero’, Ms Yvette Taylor told News Of The Area, “I am constantly humbled by people’s’ generosity and willingness to ensure that the women we provide bags to feel valued and supported.”

“One of my responsibilities is to facilitate the transportation of bags from the bulk donations in Sydney to our regional and remote areas of New South Wales.”

“It’s a logistical challenge and requires some planning but so rewarding when we are able to deliver areas like Coonamble, Wilcannia and Narrabri before Christmas.”

Port Stephens donations will make this Christmas a little easier for many women and girls in need.

By Kelly MAY