Pictured from left: Dorothy, Fran and Bernice drop off the Tudor Village donated bags, gratefully accepted by Courtney at Bunnings Lilydale.
Christmas is a time for giving, and at Tudor Village, residents have shown the true spirit of community by supporting Share the Dignity, a national charity dedicated to helping women experiencing homelessness and disadvantage across Australia. Through year round volunteering and a strong community initiative, residents have worked together to collect and donate essential personal care items to women in need.
Founded in 2015, Share the Dignity focuses on restoring dignity and comfort through practical support. At Tudor Village, residents Bernice, Dorothy and Fran have been central to the effort, filling their living rooms and garages with donated items including sanitary products, shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, toothbrushes and toothpaste.
The Tudor Village community has embraced this cause wholeheartedly, turning a simple idea into a meaningful and well organised donation drive. Bernice explained how the initiative began and continues to grow through neighbourly support and shared purpose.
She shared that involvement started through neighbours already volunteering with Share the Dignity, and quickly expanded as more residents joined in. The group sources used handbags from op shops, purchases new personal care items, packs the bags and delivers them to Bunnings Lilydale, where they are sent on to a central sorting facility.
Each handbag must be in good condition and include a zip. This year alone, the Tudor Village residents packed and donated 228 bags, each containing essential items and a handwritten personal message. From Bunnings Lilydale, the bags are checked and distributed through charities to women who need them most.
These quiet acts of generosity make a powerful difference, especially during the Christmas season when many women face increased hardship. The dedication shown by Tudor Village residents highlights the impact of local community initiatives and volunteer driven support.
Share the Dignity was founded in 2015 by Rochelle Courtenay and has since grown into a national movement with more than 6,000 volunteers across Australia. Those interested in supporting women in need through donations or volunteering can learn more at
https://www.sharethedignity.org.au/
