Pharmacy Guild staff and members Share the Dignity with vulnerable women this Christmas

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Queensland Branch, is proud to ‘share the dignity’ with women who may be experiencing homelessness, fleeing domestic violence or living in crisis this year.

Queensland Branch President, Professor Trent Twomey said that Guild staff, our Branch Committee and members had generously donated, sourced and packed over 500 essential items to support vulnerable women in need.

“It’s been a tumultuous year for many Queenslanders with the bushfires and floods earlier this year, and then the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.”

“Domestic and family violence sadly increased during COVID-19, with 4.6% of all women reporting that they experienced violence from February to May this year.” “During this time, sadly 33% of women surveyed reportedly said they experienced violence in their relationship for the first time.”

“We’re proud to Share the Dignity and hope that the 45 bags we are donating will help these women in need and support them in the lead up to Christmas.” “These donations are in addition to the essential items that Queensland community pharmacies are also collecting for Share the Dignity and vulnerable women,” said Prof. Twomey.

“Thank you to all Guild staff, our Branch Committee, and members who so generously collected and donated personal hygiene essentials including sanitary items, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorants, body washes, shampoos, conditioners, and a special gift – all packed in new handbags and backpacks.”

“Thanks to their generosity, we’re able to share the dignity with more than 45 vulnerable women this Christmas who may be experiencing homelessness, fleeing domestic violence or living in crisis.” “The Guild is proud to have a long-standing relationship with Share the Dignity and Founder Rochelle Courtenay, having donated bags to this valuable cause since 2017.”

“Please, if you are able to give back this year, support Share the Dignity and the ‘It’s In the Bag’ campaign. They’re still collecting bags for women in need this Christmas,” said Prof Twomey.

Visit www.sharethedignity.org.au/get-involved/drives-and-collections# for more information on how you can support women who may be experiencing homelessness, fleeing domestic violence or living in crisis this year.

For help contact the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service on 1800RESPECT 1800 737 732.