Council collects hundreds of products through Dignity Drive
Date published: 20 September 2023
Townsville City Council has donated more than 500 hygiene products to help people at risk of domestic violence, homelessness or poverty.
Council took part in this year’s Dignity Drive, with collections boxes at the libraries, customer service centres and Townsville Stadium.
Deputy Mayor Mark Molachino said Council had supported the program for several years.
“Council partners with Share the Dignity to help supply products like pads, tampons, menstrual cups, soaps and tissues to local services supporting people in need,” Cr Molachino said.
“Period products are needed by anyone who has a period and they do carry a financial cost.
“Unfortunately, some people in our community have to choose between feeding their family or purchasing these products.
“By having these collection boxes on display, we are also helping to open up conversations and breaking down the stigma about periods.
“Council is proud to lend its support behind the program, which helps out so many people in the community.”
Share the Dignity volunteer Nikki Barbi thanked Townsville for its ongoing support to helping those in crisis and experiencing period poverty.
“The support that we get from Townsville City Council is absolutely amazing,” she said.
“People are crying out for these products and the cost-of-living crisis is really getting to not only those in need but also to the charities who support these causes.
“We’ve had a really good community response this year and it’s great to see people willing to help out others who are doing it tough at the moment.
“Share the Dignity are also introducing free vending machines for sanitary products in schools as well to help the women and girls in school to have access to the products that they need, and all these donations will help us get them stocked and ready to go.”
The Dignity Drive is one of the many initiatives Council is involved in to support the community.
To find out more, visit Share the Dignity.
