It’s in the bag

It’s amazing how one simple Facebook post can create change, but that’s exactly what happened to Mater Education’s Diploma of Nursing Vocational Clinical Placement Manager Derrin Pomare.

Derrin was casually scrolling through her Facebook feed when she saw charity Share the Dignity calling for donations of handbags filled with personal care products such as pads and tampons, deodorant, tissues, shampoo and conditioner and toothpaste for women experiencing hardship, homelessness or domestic violence this Christmas.

For Derrin it was a no brainer. Giving the gift of a little luxury to someone less fortunate than herself this festive season was something she was happy to support.

When Derrin came in to work the following day and mentioned it to a couple of her colleagues they also thought it was a great cause they wanted to support.

Derrin and her colleagues put a call out to all the staff and students at Mater Education to see if anyone else might be interested and 51 bags of goodies later Derrin and her colleagues truly felt they had made a difference to those less fortunate this Christmas.

“I thought it would be nice to do something and give a gift to someone who hasn’t asked for it,” Derrin said.

“Pads and tampons are expensive and women shouldn’t have to go without because they can’t afford them.”

Over 100 000 bags were donated across Australia to Share the Dignity this year, making Christmas for 100 000 women just that little bit nicer.

Derrin and her colleagues hope to continue this next year and take it wider than Mater Education.

On Christmas Day this year Derrin and her team of helpers will know they have done their bit to share some hope, magic and love.