Founded in 2015, Share the Dignity believes access to period products is a right, not a privilege. But one in five Australian women have been unable to afford period products at some point in their life. This month, sanitary products will once again be collected across the country during the Dignity Drive to help those in need.

Catherine Millett from Maleny & Hinterland Real Estate who is coordinating the collection of donated items in Maleny said Share the Dignity worked to make a real, on-the-ground difference in the lives of women and girls experiencing homelessness, fleeing domestic violence or doing it tough by distributing sanitary items. 

“On behalf of Woolworths Maleny, Lauren Schofield has been central to the collection of products for this initiative for a number of years,” said Catherine. “She has a real passion for this cause.

“All products in original packaging, including pads, tampons, maternity pads, period undies, menstrual cups and incontinence products are accepted.”

Catherine will be delivering to the Maleny Neighbourhood Centre to meet their requirements, and then any remaining products are passed on to other charities across the state. Following this year’s flooding, Gympie has had a high need for products. The campaign kicked off on August 3 and will finish on August 30, 2022.

“Maleny Woolworths and Star Discount Chemist in Maple Street will be the main donation points,” said Catherine. “People are also welcome to drop any products to our agency at the Riverside Centre.”