SHOPPERS are encouraged to put an extra item in their basket during August to help women who are homeless.
Ridgewood’s Jodie Timms is the WA events co-ordinator for Share the Dignity, a charity that collects sanitary products and distributes them to homeless women and those at risk of homelessness.
She became involved in March last year, with her workplace hosting a collection box, and said it was as simple as purchasing an extra packet of pads or tampons while shopping.
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READ NOW“When I found out what our women who are homeless will actually do every month to manage their period I was horrified,” she said.
“Why should anyone have to make the choice of what to spend their $5 on – food and/or shelter – or having to buy sanitary items?
“When you realise that our girls are staying home from school as they cant afford sanitary items and the embarrassment of having to use wadded up toilet paper that leaks and then stains their clothing which results in humiliation, it is heartbreaking.”
Ms Timms (pictured) said once items are collected they are delivered to charity groups then distributed to women in need.
People can donate pads, tampons, incontinence pads and menstrual cups until August 31.
There are collection points in Banksia Grove, Joondalup, Hillarys, Wangara, Madeley and Warwick; for a full list visit sharethedignity.com.au.
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