Sandgate’s very own Share the Dignity just marked its 10-year anniversary with a fun-filled celebration and a bold vision for the future.
What started in 2015 around a kitchen table has grown into a national movement dedicated to transforming lives by ensuring dignified access to period products for all those who need them.
Rochelle Courtenay, Share The Dignity’s Founder and Managing Director, said she was “so profoundly grateful for everyone who has helped us along the way”.
“Every period product donated and every conversation started has changed lives,” she said.
Inspired by Rochelle’s vision, the charity is powered by a community of thousands of volunteers across Australia and has achieved great success over the past decade.
“We have distributed over five million period products, delivered over one million ‘It’s in the Bag’ donations, and have supplied over 1000 Dignity Vending Machines across schools, hospitals and community centres,” Rochelle said. “These numbers are powerful, but it’s the stories behind them that truly matter.”
In a room filled with government officials, corporate partners, passionate volunteers and courageous women who have shared personal stories, Rochelle celebrated their 10th anniversary with reflection and gratitude.
Looking Ahead: A Future of Menstrual Equity
“Our celebration was really a thank-you party,” she said. “From (Councillor) Jared Cassidy, who funded our very first laptop, to our incredible patron, Governor Jeannette Young, and everyone in between, every person in that room has played a role in making a difference.
“If it weren’t for the kind-hearted people of 4017 stepping up and believing in us in those early days, Share the Dignity may never have gotten off the ground. I have so much gratitude for this incredible community.”
Moving forward, Rochelle said that there was a lot more work to do.
“Our biggest challenge is getting enough ‘It’s in the Bag’ donations,” she said. “Last year, we were incredibly grateful to receive over 111,000 bags from across the country, but the need is so much greater. This year, our goal is to collect 150,000 bags for people facing domestic violence, homelessness, or extreme poverty.
“Our goal is to have menstrual equity across Australia. That happens when period products are as accessible as toilet paper and everyone is educated about periods. Whether you’re at work, school, the local pool, or the netball centre, there should be free period products and a sanitary bin, no questions asked. I believe everyone deserves dignity.”
Visit Share the Dignity for more information on how you can get involved.
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