By ALANA MITCHELSON
The Geelong Period Project is accepting handbags of goodies as Christmas gifts for local homeless women in need.
The initiative launched in September as a regional arm of the Melbourne-based project. It serves as an ongoing means for people to donate sanitary and toiletry products to homeless women and transgender men.
To provide them support over the festive season, Geelong Period Project are calling on members of the community to donate a new or pre-loved handbag with a small gift inside to make someone feel special this Christmas.
Project coordinator Kat Ligakis said she estimated about 200 gift bags have been donated since they launched the Christmas handbag appeal two weeks ago.
“The Barwon South West Homelessness Network will distribute the handbags to agencies who can deliver the donations to the people in positions of need in our region,“ she said.
“They work across Bellarine, the Surf Coast, Geelong, Hamilton, Warrnambool, Colac and Portland.
“We ask that people keep in mind that the donation should be considered as a gift. The idea is for these women to receive something special on Christmas day.“
Examples of gifts to place inside the bags include but are not limited to pyjamas, beauty products, sunscreen, perfume, clothing, a notebook and pen, a hat or sunglasses.
The Geelong Period Project also had some local businesses and other community groups come on board.
Mercy Health have offered their reception as a public drop-off point for handbag donations to the appeal, with the majority of drop-off points being private homes.
Amanda Bowe of Mercy Health said they received 20 handbags with gifts in just two days.
“Donations started rolling in on Monday,“ Ms Bowe said.
“We wanted to provide a business location as an option for people who may find that more accessible for dropping off donations and support the vulnerable in our community.“
Geelong Period Project are accepting donations for the appeal until 3 December. Those donating are also encouraged to write a card to wish the recipient a merry Christmas.
Organisers estimate that roughly 600 to 700 bags will be needed to ensure some women don’t miss out.
Ms Ligakis said those interested in making a physical or financial donation could phone 0402 943 691 or visit facebook.com/GeelongPeriodProject.
