By Kyra Gillespie
Andrews Community Kindergarten in Pakenham has become a registered collection point for the donations of sanitary items in support of Share the Dignity.
Share the Dignity is an organisation that oversees several initiatives that give back to Australian women and children in need, with a particular focus on victims of domestic violence.
Part of its services include collecting sanitary items for homeless women and those fleeing domestic violence.
Its work caught the eye of Andrews Community Kinder Parent Committee member Candice Evans who decided to register the kinder for the cause.
“I feel passionate about this cause because no woman should have to go without a basic necessity,” Ms Evans said.
“I couldn’t imagine my two daughters having to go without.
“I was honestly shocked when I heard that over 85,000 women have turned to homeless services last year.”
On any given night in Australia, one in 200 people are homeless, 44 per cent are female and 27 per cent are children under the age of 18.
Family violence is the number one reason why people present to homeless services, with 55 per cent of females citing this reason, according to Share the Dignity.
“I got involved in this cause because my family has gone through hardship and my community reached out to us to offer support,” Ms Evans said.
“This is a way I can give back and make people aware that our daughters, sisters and mothers are going without.
“At Andrews Kinder we donated enough supplies in May for around 30 women.
“We are hoping to double this for our August drive.
“If members of the community want to assist Andrews Kinder in this great cause they can drop off items in our foyer at Henty Street, Pakenham.”
As this drive draws to a close for this year, Andrews Kinder is already starting to promote Share the Dignity’s Christmas appeal.
“This involves donations of a handbag filled with items that make a woman feel real, loved and special,” Ms Evans said.
“Share the Dignity asks that it contains the basics – shampoo conditioner, toothpaste, tooth brush, soap, deodorant and sanitary items – and even something special like perfume.
“This will run from 18 November until 2 December this year.”
Ms Evans wants all women to know that they are worthwhile and they are not alone.
“You matter what, you are good enough and you are loved,” Ms Evans said.
