The Share the Dignity campaign is on again.
The Share the Dignity campaign is on again.
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
The people of the Gold Coast are a proud, community-loving bunch. We love our city, the people within it and we’re all about lending a hand when someone else is in need.
Which more than ever before, is now. Our beautiful Gold Coast hinterland, along with many other areas of Queensland, are currently experiencing devastating bushfires (as you’re no doubt aware) and there have been many homes and businesses lost.
We’ve compiled a list of ways we, as a community, can support those affected in terms of monetary, goods and time donations.
The Queensland Fire Service and local fire stations have asked that all donations be taken to the designated spots so as not to hinder fire-fighting efforts.
Donations of goods and cash (via bank deposit) can be taken by Canungra Op Shop.
If you have non-perishable food or other items you would like to donate, they will accept those ready for distribution. If you’d like to donate money please transfer to the below account:
Lighthouse Community Services
BSB: 064793
Account: 10073085
Reference: Bushfire Appeal
For bank transfers, please also email the details of your gift so receipts can be issued and donations tracked – [email protected] (donations are tax deductible). ALL money donated will be used for those affected by the crisis.
Donations of cash for feed for livestock, wildlife and pets can be taken to Canungra Hardware – phone 07 5543 4780.
The Beechmont Fire Station are taking donations of food time, should you wish to volunteer – email [email protected] with anything you’re willing to donate and they’ll respond with a scheduled time to assist.
Funds can be donated at GIVIT here.
Let’s not forget the animals also affected by the fires – Currumbin Wildlife Hospital and Wildcare are both taking donations to help pay for medication and food.
You can also donate to Koala Rescue Queensland (for medicine and food for all animals) here.
Donate money for hay bales for horses here.
If you’re aware of any other ways to donate, please contact us ASAP.
Let’s stand together through this crisis, our community needs every single one of us.
Words by Kirra Smith
While the last couple of months have been a trying time for every single one of us, there are those who have had it harder than others. The people in our community who are unable to afford food for their families for example. Those who live in refuges and are unable to return home, aged care services who can’t have food delivered, now is the hardest time of all.
Which is where OzHarvest come in and at the moment, they too need the help of the community and it comes in the form of the Here for Hope campaign.
Coming off the back of the horrific bushfire season, the not-for-profit business are experiencing an overwhelming need for for food relief, at a time when their resources are more limited than ever.
So what can you do?
You can donate to support vital food rescue services at www.hereforhope.com.au or pledge to make a small donation in connection with your continuing business activities (e.g. $1 from each transaction – that’s 2 meals for someone in need) or, if a monetary donation isn’t possible for you right now, you can share the campaign with your networks and get the word out that they need financial help to keep operating.
In case you aren’t aware of the work OzHarvest do, here’s a little recap.
They are the first perishable food rescue organisation in Australia that collects quality excess food from more than 2,000 commercial outlets and delivers it, direct and free of charge, to more than 1,300 charities.
They deliver this food (that would otherwise be tossed) to vulnerable men, women and children across Australia.
The surplus of food is collected from all types of providers including fruit and vegetable markets, supermarkets, hotels, wholesalers, farmers, stadiums, corporate events, catering companies, shopping centres, delis, cafes, restaurants, film and TV shoots and boardrooms. Just imagine the waste of leftovers!
The organisation was founded in November 2004 by Ronni Kahn who has been working tirelessly ever since.
So if you can help, please do.
$20 provides 40 meals, $50 provides 100 meals and up it goes.
You can choose to donate as a one-off or on a continual basis and know that when you do, you’ll be changing the life of someone who really needs some support right now.
And helping each other is the very best thing we can do.
Take care out there.
Words by Kirra Smith
Raising awareness about mental health issues is a cause close to everyone’s heart in one way or another and at the moment, we all need to be vigilant about taking care of our own and keeping an eye on that of those around us.
Because we’re all about sharing/stealing good advice when we come across it, here are a couple of tips from local not-for-profit LIVIN if you’re feeling like your mental health could use a little TLC.
Get enough sleep
It’s super important to develop a regular sleeping schedule to help you feel energized, focused and motivated. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day and if you can’t sleep, practice controlled breathing (focusing on inhaling and exhaling to help you relax).
Exercise
Sounds very uncool but is actually very good for not only your physical health (obviously) but your mental health too. Even just a short stint (15 minutes) will give you a rush of feel good energy and can help to relieve stress and pent up frustration.
Eat healthily
It’s no surprise fruit and veggies are good for you but did you know they can help your sleeping patterns, energy levels and general wellbeing? True story. Obviously fast food, that is easy to get when you don’t feel like doing anything, has very low levels of nutrition, which means low energy, and generally feeling worse than you otherwise would.
Enjoy yourself
Having fun for the win! Here’s an excuse to find things that bring you joy, watch hilarious show online and have a good laugh whenever you can. Talking to people who uplift your mood is clearly a positive thing to do, not to mention, if you need a chat about how you’re feeling, your friends are the perfect people to do that with. At the moment we”re in such uncertain times, it’s highly likely everyone could do with a chat and since we aren’t really meant to go near each other, may as well pick up that phone.
If you, or someone you know, needs immediate assistance please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Words by Kirra Smith
