It’s not every day a local charity catches the attention of one of the world’s most recognised philanthropists, but nearly 12 years after Rochelle Courtenay founded Share the Dignity, the charity has received a heartfelt donation from none other than Oprah Winfrey herself.
“When Oprah was here in Brisbane last year, I had the opportunity to meet her and tell her about Share the Dignity, what we do and why It’s in the Bag means so much to me,” Rochelle said. “That little conversation in Brisbane travelled all the way back to America.”
Rochelle said she could hardly believe it when she learned that the woman she had admired for decades was sitting on the other side of the world packing a donation bag for their annual appeal.
Spreading Hope with the “Dear Her” Note Initiative
Her gift comes at an important time as the charity is working extra hard this year to ensure every woman spending Christmas in a domestic violence situation, a shelter, or experiencing homelessness, receives an It’s in the Bag donation.
“It sounds like such a simple thing, but imagine spending Christmas in a domestic violence refuge and having a complete stranger give you a beautiful bag and essentially say, ‘I don’t know you, but you matter,’” she said. “What I want from this is for every person in Australia to know about Share the Dignity and donate where they can.”
In addition to gifting a bag full of essentials, Oprah penned a special note to accompany it as part of Share the Dignity’s new Dear Her card initiative.
“I have heard thousands of stories from the women who have received a donation, but the thing that always stands out to me is how deeply touched they are if they get a note in their bag,” Rochelle said. “So this year we wanted more of that.”
Oprah’s support adds to an already growing wave of generosity, with other high-profile names such as Christian Hull, Luke Bateman, Melissa Doyle, Yvie Jones, Dannii Minogue, Kara Cook, and Nicho Hynes also committing to this year’s campaign.
“Oprah’s bag is important but so too is every other bag donated,” Rochelle said. “EVERY bag makes a difference, but the fact that the world’s most influential woman has taken the time to Share the Dignity makes me hopeful that we will indeed meet the need of donations required this year and every year beyond!”
Check Share the Dignity online to learn more or show your support.
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