Woolworths is supporting Share the Dignity throughout August as the organisation launches its biannual Dignity Drive to help eradicate period poverty in Australia.
Five cents from the sale of every period care product at Woolworths supermarkets in August will be donated to help Share the Dignity provide free period care products, as well as the maintenance of 100+ Dignity Vending Machines, which dispense free period packs discretely and free of charge to those in need.
During August, pink collection boxes will also be available in Woolworths supermarkets across Australia for the donation of period care products. All period products in their original packaging including pads, tampons, menstrual cups, period undies, reusable pads and incontinence aids can be placed in the collection boxes.
Donations will be distributed by volunteers to Share the Dignity’s 3000+ charity partners including homeless and domestic violence shelters, along with other organisations helping vulnerable community members.
Woolworths Head of Community and Sponsorships Sarah De La Mare says: “We’re proud to continue our partnership with Share the Dignity and support the meaningful change they are creating.
“As the August Dignity Drive begins, we’re also excited to launch a range of offers on personal care items for our customers, and we hope the support of this campaign can help Share the Dignity continue to reach new goals in its efforts to provide menstrual equity for all.
“We would also like to thank all of our customers for their donations, as their generous contribution has helped lessen the impact of challenging times over the years.”
Woolworths will also be offering a range of personal care discounts and deals to its customers, including 30% off disposable period pads, tampons and liners from 2-8 August 2023. For the first time this year, customers shopping online can also get involved, with $2 and $5 donations. U by Kotex will also be donating one product for every $2 donated online, or three products for every $5 donated online.
Share the Dignity aims to collect at least 200,000 period products during its latest Dignity drive, with increasingly high demand from their charity partners.
Founder and Managing Director Rochelle Courtenay says: “We often come across heartbreaking stories, such as a recent incident of a father living in a car with his daughter. His daughter had experienced her first period and unfortunately found himself unable to source the support she needed.
“You never know what someone is going through and, at the very least, let’s ensure they can manage their period with dignity,” she said.
Since 2019, Woolworths has donated more than $2.5 million to Share the Dignity. These donations have helped fund 107 of Share the Dignity’s Dignity Vending Machines, which dispense free packs of pads and tampons and are located in community centres, homeless hubs, charities, Aboriginal Medical Services, hospitals and other areas where there is a need across Australia.