For a few years now I have been supporting the wonderful charity – Share the Dignity. They work to ensure that “everyone is afforded the dignity so many of us take for granted” and their work “directly benefits women in crisis.” Please visit their website here, to read about their incredible initiatives.
Do you have a medium to large preloved handbag or backpack lying around at home, that you don’t use any more but it is way too good to throw away? Well dust is off and fill it up!!! I do appreciate that purchasing all the items on the list can be a little expensive but if you throw an extra in your shopping trolley each week or pop into a discount chemist, it is more than achievable. If you prefer you might like to put together a bag for a teen or even a nappy bag for a new mum.
There are more comprehensive lists of suggested items here on the Share the Dignity Facebook page. They do encourage you to think about the things that you use each day and include those and if you can……a little luxury. I always like to include a hairbrush, emery boards, sunscreen and lip balm but there are lots of other wonderful things that could be included that would make a difference in someone’s life, i.e. meal voucher, rain poncho, bandaids, notebook and pen, perfume, etc. The sky is the limit. Just remember that all things need to be new and unopened and they ask for roll on deodorant, not spray.
It is also suggested that you include a card or note. This year while at OnStage Auckland I received the stamp set Genuine Gems as a prize patrol. To be honest I hadn’t used it and wasn’t actually sure how I would. Then, while getting my bag organised, it came to me that one of the sentiments in particular would be perfect for a card to include in my bag. Of course it had to be pink so I combined Melon Mambo and Flirty Flamingo. It really is a simple card but I am very happy with the result. I love my Stamparatus and do enjoy this repeated stamping technique. I used it here, here and here as well. Why don’t you give it a go?
Once your bag is packed it can be dropped off at any Bunnings. How easy is that? ANY and ALL Bunnings!!! The hard part will be getting away without buying anything, including a sausage in bread. Bunnings will accept your donation from 22 November until 7 December.
So please consider this wonderful charity and if it is not possible this year, perhaps you can start putting things away for next. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram to be kept up to date.
Thanks Michele.
