Demand for period products continues to rise, and the Geelong community is urged to donate what they can during March.
Share the Dignity Drive will continue to occur throughout the month to collect period products and incontinence aids that will be donated to charities to distribute.
Leopold volunteer Deborah Gould said the idea that someone could be working and unable to purchase period products was shocking.
“The fact that there was even period poverty in Australia was complete news to me. I was so shocked and surprised at the beginning that there was such a thing, it was a bit of an eye opener,” she said.
“The places that we drop them off to serve varied communities. You’ve got people who are escaping domestic violence or working or having some income but are still struggling.
“You’ve also got young teenagers who are just starting off and may not get the support at home, and middle-aged or older women who can’t afford to buy products.”
Ms Gould said there was currently a big call for tampons, which was “always greatly appreciated”, with all products donated in Geelong going towards people within the community.
“Every packet of pads and tampons helps… If one family in five donated something, it would make such a huge difference,” she said.
“Eight charities are listed in this drive, but there’s usually about 15, but we’ve got a demand for 2000 products that the charities have asked for and that is the bare minimum.”
Share the Dignity is a national charity working to end period poverty and is celebrating 10 years helping people this year.
Donations will continue to be accepted in pink collection boxes outside Woolworths Supermarkets during March or visit sharethedignity.org.au to donate online.
Jena Carr
