A note that can make a life-changing difference
"When I received my bag, it was more than just a bag, it was love and hope... A feeling which I hadn't felt for so long. It made me feel like I could conquer my day ahead" said a bag recipient.
Recently we spend a week packing bags which we put together, so we could ensure that they were sent off in time to arrive for Christmas in the regional and remote communities. This also included 2000 bags which were for teenage girls and new mums who are part of the Broncos Academy across South East Queensland.
We were joined by Broncos staff, players Ali Brigginshaw, Jamayne Isaako, Keenan Palasia, Patrick Carrigan, Brendan Piakura along with NRL legends Darius Boyd and Justin Hodges. Together they helped to pack bags along with writing motivational notes to pop into the bags for the girls who would be receiving them.
"It's always good to give back, simple gifts like these bags will go a long way. It's awesome that we can partner up and give the gift of joy", Justin Hodges said.
Our #ItsInTheBag Christmas appeal is our favourite time of the year where we call on everyday Australians to put together bags filled with essential items, to donate to someone in need. In addition to the essential items, we ask our generous community to write a note to pop into the bag filled with love and motivational messages to show the women or girl who receives the bag that they are cared for.
"When I received my bag, it was more than just a bag, it was love and hope... A feeling which I hadn't felt for so long. It made me feel like I could conquer my day ahead" said a bag recipient.
With over 3 million Australians living in poverty, many will be struggling to get through the holiday period this year, we know that it's going to be a tough year. Last year we collected 95,000 bags but had over 140,000 requests through our charity partners.
"It's heartbreaking to know that there are women and girls out there that don't even have the basic essentials at Christmas time and that we couldn't meet the demand in 2020", said Rochelle Courtenay - Founder and Managing Director of Share the Dignity.
Our Sponsor a Bag option that we launched last year, is something we hope will continue to grow to help us fill some of the gaps between the products we collect, and the requests that we receive.
It's so much more than just a bag - for many, it's the only gift they will receive this Christmas.
Receiving these bags for so many women really is a shining light. The ability to get through the holiday season with all the essentials is something many of us often take for granted.
Anyone and everyone truly can make a difference this year. Whether you put together a bag yourself and fill it with love or sponsor a bag to be packed on your behalf, you will know that you are helping to make a life-changing difference.
