Share the Dignity, a women’s charity that distributes period products to women and girls in need, will hold the first of its bi-annual Dignity Drives this month. However, the charity is worried it will not be able to meet the demand for period products.

“The number of people needing support is skyrocketing,” Rochelle Courtenay, Share the Dignity’s founder and managing director, said.

Due to cost-of-living pressures, Share the Dignity expects requests for donations to soar, while actual donations have decreased as Canberrans tighten their belts.

The rising cost of living has increased the number of “working poor”, and an influx of people has reached out to specialist homelessness services. The latest Australian Homelessness Monitor report suggests homeless services are supporting more low-middle income earners who struggle to make ends meet.

“A close friend of mine has two young children, and reached out to me asking me to pick her up period supplies,” Ms Courtenay said. “Between medical bills for the kids, rent, and everything in between, she didn’t have money spare to pick up period products when her period suddenly came.

“It broke my heart, but made me realise how many Australians are struggling right now.”

The Dignity Drives support women and girls experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness, domestic violence or poverty.

Throughout March, Woolworths will donate 5 cents from the sale of every period product purchased to help fund Share the Dignity’s Dignity Vending Machines, which dispense a free period pack containing six tampons and two pads.

These machines are in community centres, homeless hubs, charities, Aboriginal medical services, hospitals, and other areas where there is a need across Australia. Since 2019, Woolworths donations have funded 107 machines.

Collection boxes have been placed in all Woolworths supermarkets nationwide, where customers can place donated period products.

Luise Zolio, a Share the Dignity volunteer, will collect and distribute the donations in Canberra.

“Our Dignity Drives are so important to support those experiencing period poverty,” she said.

“We rely on these donations to give those in need access to period products, so they don’t go without. We accept all products in original packaging, including pads, tampons, menstrual cups, period underwear, reusable pads, and incontinence pads.”

Supporters can drop-off donations at all Woolworths stores and nominated businesses nationwide throughout March, or donate via the Share the Dignity website.

Share the Dignity strongly believes those experiencing period poverty should be able to choose which period product they use. They encourage customers to collect all period products in their original packaging. 

Sarah De La Mare, Woolworths head of community and sponsorships,  thanked all their customers who have donated to Dignity Drives over the years.

“Their generous contribution has helped provide access to period care for many Australians. We hope this month’s Dignity Drive will continue to support those experiencing period poverty, and help provide menstrual equity for all.”

Canberra Daily is keen to hear from you about a story idea in the Canberra and surrounding region. Click here to submit a news tip.