Issue 18 SJC News 2020

Our Identity Team is leading the College’s participation in Share The Dignity's 'It's In The Bag' campaign, and are delighted at our community's response. Thank you so much to those who have made a donation. There is still time to get involved. In order to allow us to pack and prepare the bags for the campaign, the donation cart will close on Thursday 10 December.

Share The Dignity is a women’s charity that makes a real, on-the-ground difference to women experiencing homelessness and hardship. Sadly, the increase of women in need in our local community has grown significantly in 2020 - the fastest growing demographic in homelessness is women aged 55+.

Students donate a handbag filled with the “essential items” & any extras & complete Service Learning Form to receive 3 House points & 3 Hours credit.

Drop off locations: Westcourt – staff room, Edmund Rice Campus – staffroom & Service Learning office.

Staff & community members are also encouraged to donate.

The essentials include toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, hygiene products (any kind - pads, tampons, menstrual cups or period underwear), deodorant and soap, all things that we might take for granted.

Often the handbags also include little 'luxuries' such as hand cream, sunscreen, nail polish, socks or even a gift voucher for a cup of coffee. Sometimes, the handbags include notes of encouragement to the recipient.

o All toiletries must be new and unopened.

If you choose to make up a full bag yourself, you also have the option of creating a 'focused' pack, for example, a bag with items suitable for a teenage girl, or a more mature woman. For the teenage bag, please tie a yellow ribbon to the handle so that it is easier to identify. For a mature woman, you may wish to include incontinence products.

Mum bags: maternity pads, newborn nappies, baby wipes, breast pads, dummies, nappy rash cream, disposable nappy bags, baby shampoo and baby wash. If you make up a full nappy bag, it should also include the essentials listed above and have a purple ribbon attached.

Any questions please email [email protected]