There’s no doubt about it, even in these unprecedented times we’re lucky to be living in the most beautiful place on Earth. The Gold Coast is a community-driven city, easy on the eye and filled with people absolutely willing to step up and help those in need.

Our city is also home to many women living in poverty, meaning they could be homeless and are most likely without the basic necessities many of us take for granted. Luckily, we can all do something to help.

That’s where Share the Dignity comes in. Throughout August, the campaign (which has been successfully running for quite some time now), will collect thousands of pads, tampons and personal hygiene products for women experiencing homelessness and poverty throughout Australia.

Their ethos focuses on making a real, on-the-ground difference to homeless women and victims of domestic violence and through a small act of kindness, they provide assistance to some of Australia’s most vulnerable women.

Twice a year, Share the Dignity asks the public to donate at collection points throughout the country and the Gold Coast collection point is conveniently at one of 100 Chempro Chemist stores.

At the end of the month, they donate thousands of packets of sanitary products to their partner charities. Each packet of pads and tampons, menstrual cup or online donation that you contribute makes a real difference for a woman in need in your community.

All you need to do is head into your local Chempro Chemist, purchase some goods and pop them in the pink collection box throughout August. Something that’s so simple for us will make a world of difference to so many women.

Are you willing to change someone’s life this month?

Same. See you at Chempro.

SPONSORED BY CHEMPRO CHEMISTS

Words by Kirra Smith

Did you know there are over 85,000 Australian women living in poverty? Which can also mean they are homeless and without the basic day to day luxuries so many of us take for granted.

The reasons for this are many and varied; domestic violence, loss of work, any number of things that have happened throughout their lives they didn’t have control over. Any number of things that could also have happened to any one of us.

The Gold Coast isn’t exempt either – although poverty and homelessness may not be something you come face to face with on a daily basis, it’s happening and we’re here today to talk about how each of us can help.

Share the Dignity are a local not-for-profit organisation that collect thousands of pads, tampons and personal hygiene products for women experiencing homelessness and poverty.

Their ethos focuses on making a real, on-the-ground difference to homeless women and victims of domestic violence and that is something we can wholeheartedly get behind.

So what can we do? It’s simple really. Next time you purchase sanitary items, just grab a few extra and donate them to women who will be more grateful than we could ever imagine for something most of us have probably never thought twice about purchasing.

This August (how is it August already?), Share the Dignity asks the public to donate at collection points throughout the country and the Gold Coast collection point is conveniently at one of the 90+ Chempro Chemist stores.

At the end of the month, they donate thousands of packets of sanitary products to their partner charities. Each packet of pads and tampons, menstrual cups or online donation that you contribute makes a real difference for a woman in need in your community.

Imagine if someone you loved were in the position of not having access to a basic female need, you’d want to do everything you could to help out right?

Well, each of these women are someone’s daughter and possibly someone’s sister and mother and there’s nothing more incredible than people coming together to help those in need.

Next time you’re at the shops, purchase an extra pack (or two) of sanitary items and pop them in the Pink Collection Box at your local Chempro Chemist during the Dignity Drive.

Your donation is vital and of course, very much appreciated both by Share the Dignity and the women in need.

Should you not be able to get to a collection point, you can also donate online with the money donated to Share the Dignity’s partner charities.

We’ll do our part to help too.

Let’s stand together for women exactly like us who need a helping hand. It’s the least we can do.

SPONSORED BY CHEMPRO CHEMISTS

Words by Kirra Smith

There are many things we Gold Coasters are fond of. A new beachside eggs benny brunch spot. Bottomless long lunches. Farmers Markets. Finding the last park at Burleigh Hill on a Sunday. Heading out on the town in a brand new ‘fit #thanksitsnew.

We’re pretty spoilt for choice when it comes to local boutiques frilled to the brim with incredible Aussie designers and labels #luckyus. Plus, we get the added warm and fuzzy feels of supporting local small biz #winwin. So, we’ve rounded up 9 of our fave GC boutiques for your spending pleasure. We’re not sure what’s harder, narrowing this list down to just 9, or walking out of any of the below empty handed.

GIRLS ONLY

Halo & Grace
Creating a boutique that both appeals to and attracts women of all ages is quite the undertaking, but Halo & Grace have done just that. Nailing that sweet spot of timeless, luxe slow fashion from fancy trackside frocks through to your fave new farmers market ‘fit – their brand new, and downright stunning Mermaid digs are chock full of goodies for you and your abode.
Where: 43 Alfred Street, Mermaid Beach

Homebodii
What could bring a better night’s sleep than your fave pjs? Perhaps knowing they were consciously created right here on the GC (oh, and the fact that they’re cute AF sure doesn’t hurt). Making their debut in 2012 with luxe bridal loungewear, and Homebodii has been keeping us chic, cute and cosy ever since, with their range quickly expanding to sleepwear, intimates and effortless basics. Weekend sleep ins never looked so good.
Where: Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, Shop 2708, Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach

About a Girl
About a Girl boutique is all about YOU! They always have the cutest threads for every occasion AND if there’s anything you can’t find or a product or label you’re dying to get your hands on, let them know and they will try their best to track it down for you. Extra good.
Where: 2/2211-2215 Gold Coast Highway, Nobby Beach

The Freedom State
The Freedom State is a women’s clothing store that is inspired by bohemian creativity (because boho is life y’all) with a gypsy attitude of freedom. The team has carefully curated labels to offer a stunning selection of women’s fashion inspiring you to show off your very best self.
Where: Shop 12/50 James St, Burleigh Heads

Bird on a Wire
Bird on a Wire is set amongst the exceptional coffee shops on the Lower Gold Coast Highway in Burleigh. The chic boho boutique offers a diverse range of beautiful but affordable fashion and homewares and is the perfect stop after a swim and a coffee.
Where: 5/1840 Lower Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads

Emte
A must visit store in the Burleigh area, Emte Boutique was founded by a Gold Coast girl who felt that there was a gap to be filled for fashion jewellery and accessories that are cutting edge, stylish, on trend and affordable. We concur. And also spend a lot of dollars here.
Where: 3 James St, Burleigh Heads

White Bohemian
As the name suggests, White Bohemian is all about boho style. Clothing, accessories, bohemian inspired homewares and the very best gifts for the free spirited gypsy wanderer. Love all the things.
Where: 1160 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach

BOYS ONLY

Alfred’s Apartment
While we’re still sad Alfred’s Diner is no more, the lads are still providing our local men with an ever growing range of curated fashion and accessories. Plus they do serve great coffee and Milkman’s cookies, so we mostly forgive them #beingbacktheburrito. Even the fussiest of men will love their limited-release tees.
Where: 2225 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

UNISEX

Sean Scott Boutique
A fave little boutique in James Street, the space showcases Sean Scott’s breathtaking photography as well as clothing and accessories for the fashion forward folks. You can also find one of the biggest displays of (local legends) Valley Eyewear sunnies here on the Coast.
Where: 21c James St, Burleigh Heads