The basic human right to personal hygiene is out of reach for most homeless women but kindness can help to change that, Share the Dignity founder Rochelle Courtenay said.

“Christmas is such a special time, but we tend to forget there’s many people who need our help, donating a bag filled with hygienic essentials is a small but extremely impactful gesture that people can take part in.”

The charity is striving to collect 120,000 bags from generous Australians and Bunnings in Tamworth have it in the bag. More than 150,000 women sought help from homelessness services last year in Australia.

It’s hoped the community will come in, grab a sausage and drop off a bag Bunnings Tamworth manager Lawrie Hatfield said.

“I believe that Share the Dignity is a way that we can really contribute to the people who need it most at Christmas time especially when looking at the personal care items that will help them in their day to day living,” he said.

“People of Tamworth are very generous even though we have a drought, they’re still very generous and support these causes.

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“We’re hoping to get even more donations than we did with our Share the Dignity appeal last year.”

Homeless women are in desperate need of sanitary items, shampoo, conditioner, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap and deoderant, and residents are encouraged to drop them off inside a handbag.

Tamworth Bunnings will be accepting donations until December 2 and will be running in shops nationwide.

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