It's In the Bag - HandbagMafia

If you missed it last week, check out the chat I had with Rochelle Courtenay, founder of Share the Dignity.

It’s In the Bag!

Last week, I threw a challenge out to any readers who wanted to get behind Share the Dignity’s annual It’s In The Bag campaign. It involves packing a handbag (new or in good condition) with items that would be useful to a woman who might find herself in a shelter or refuge this Christmas. Of course, this meant I couldn’t let the team down, either! So off to the shops I went. I grabbed a good-sized handbag to fill- and fill it I have! My teenage girls got curious about what I was doing and decided to throw together a bag themselves. I have friends that are madly packing handbags with toiletries and other useful stuff. It seems that the It’s In The Bag campaign is bringing out the best in a lot of people who seem genuinely excited to be able to help someone.

What’s In My Bag?

Water bottle
Thermal travel mug
Mini Hairbrush
Dental care pack including toothbrush, paste, mouthwash and floss
Deodorant
3 pack of socks
Antibacterial wipes
Bandaids
Crossword book
Pens
Eye cream
Face cream
Nail care set including clippers, file and orange stick
Shampoo and conditioner
Body wash
Fragrance spray
Scarf
Pads and tampons
Lip Balm
BB Cream (I went with a medium shade so I hope it’s of use!)
A poem- It was written especially for this bag by my friend, Angie Jorgen of Eightandbeyond.

Reading about the homelessness among women, I am always heartbroken to learn of how many find themselves on the streets due to domestic violence. I can’t help but think of others who are trapped with abusive partners because leaving would mean poverty and life on the streets. I know there needs to be enormous change and from society and the government. Whatever the reason, I don’t believe anyone should be without a safe place to stay. Until things change, I felt like contributing to It’s In the Bag is a great way to help on a practical level, woman to woman.

The It’s In The Bag Challenge.

The response to my challenge has been pretty wonderful. Everyone from friends, readers and family members have decided to take part. Some of my favourite writers have packed a handbag, ready to drop off at their nearest collection point. Here’s just a few of them, to give you an idea of why you might want to join in, if you aren’t already convinced. They’ve packed some great products to help out a woman who might really need them.

Rebecca @ Seeing the Lighter Side:

“When I was 13 my mum used to make up packages like this for a family friend who was a single mum with a baby and very little support. I remember what a difference they made to her – a few luxuries mixed with a few necessities.”

Follow Rebecca on facebook here or check out her blog for the lighter side of, well, everything!

Lisa @ The Notorious MUM:

“The truth is, any one of us could find ourselves in a desperate situation at some point. No one knows which hand we’re about to be dealt. I’d like to think that if ever I was in need, there’d be someone around to offer a little kindness and practical help. Packing a handbag full of essentials kind of feels like the least we should do.

I’ve included tissues, shower gel, shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, tampons, face wipes, deodorant, hand wipes, a notebook and a pen. If any of this can help a woman feel a bit like her old self, then job done.”

Check the amazeballs Lisa out on facebook here.

Emily @ Em Hawker Blog:

“I often see charitable causes and promos and think, “I should do that/donate money/look into that.” But it’s often easier said than done, and the lack of transparency around some causes and charities might give me pause. Share the Dignity is a great cause with a clear motivation and a straightforward way to help. It’s in the bag is the next logical step, and knowing I could add just a few extra things to my weekly shop to make a big difference made it a no-brainer. I’ll be putting together more bags to donate as Christmas approaches.”

See more from the fabulous Em on her blog or on facebook.

Rachel @ Toilets Aren’t for Turtles:

“All women have the right to dignity, never more so than during their period. I’ve collected some of the products I rely on to feel clean and comfortable for Share the Dignity’s #itsinthebag campaign, in the hope that they will give a woman experiencing homelessness a little bit of personal comfort. My bag contains:

Pads (day and night) and tampons (super and regular)
Dry shampoo
Mini Hairbrush
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Mouthwash
3 pack of socks
Baby wipes (good for EVERYTHING!)
Facial cleansing wipes
Deodorant
Sunscreen
Moisturiser
Body wash
Hand sanitizer
Nail brush

See more from the excellent Rachel here.

Tash @ Gift Grapevine:

“I take for granted everyday items like toothpaste, hand cream, lip balm, shampoo and sanitary products. Handy Hubby and I think nothing of ordering a couple of pizzas on a Friday night. After reading your interview with Rochelle last week, it wasn’t hard to forego that pizza. Instead we put the money towards buying a handbag and filled it with essential items, plus a nice scarf. I can’t imagine what these women are going through so to be able to donate something useful that will brighten the day of someone who truly needs it – it’s just the right thing to do.”