Imagine having to choose between your child’s lunch or purchasing sanitary products.
This is something the staff at Devonport City Council want to ensure doesn’t happen, as they once again support the Share the Dignity charity drive this month.
Council Planning Officer Emma Pieniak encourages the community to support the initiative by donating sanitary products to Council’s Customer Service or the Bass Strait Maritime Centre, or participating businesses and organisations.
Ms Pieniak said Share the Dignity is an Australian charity working to make a real difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness, fleeing domestic violence, or doing it tough.
“When someone is doing it tough, the last thing on their mind should be dealing with their monthly cycle, and through this August charity drive we hope to alleviate that stress and provide much-needed support,” Ms Pieniak said.
“Those experiencing period poverty often must choose between purchasing sanitary products or other essential items just to get by.
“Share the Dignity highlights how access to sanitary items should be a right, not a privilege.”
Colleague and Community Services Administration Officer Danielle O’Brien said Council has supported Share the Dignity since 2020.
“We see the need in our city, and we know the difference this service makes for people in our community,” Ms O’Brien said.
“The local Share the Dignity representative advised that the donated products are distributed to local community groups and local charities.
“Other ways to donate if you are unable to attend one of Council’s collection points, is via Woolworths stores, which have a big pink box instore. There are also online donation options, or our Community Services team is happy to collect items from your business or organisation at the end of August.”
Ms O’Brien said one key initiative from Share the Dignity is the dignity vending machines, a world-first innovation that dispenses free period packs.
These vending machines are located at The Junction (64 Stewart Street), Anglicare Tasmania (31 King Street), Headspace Devonport (1/35 Oldaker Street) and the East Devonport Community House (106 David Street, East Devonport).
