My parents strove to set our feet on the 'right path' in life. Some of it took, some of it didn't.
One of the 'stickiest' life lessons for me was that I have an ongoing obligation to contribute in a positive way to the community in which I live.
Late last month a real estate flyer landed in our letter box. Luckily I looked at it before I tossed it in the recycling.
Our local real estate agency was identified as a collection point for an Australian initiative running this month called Share the Dignity (and the link to the website is here).
Simply put it says that 'No woman should suffer the indignity of choosing between eating or buying sanitary items.'
We were asked to provide new and unopened sanitary items (pads, tampons, cups, reusable pads, incontinence products) for those in need. It also reminded me that on any given night in my country 1 in 200 people are homeless and that most of them are women and children. Family violence is the number one reason that people present to homeless services.
Regular readers will know that homelessness and family violence are causes dear to my heart.
So I contributed. Of course. And plan to do so again before the end of the month.
I know I said I would post more balloon photos this week. I lied. Next week. I promise. And here is a taste...
One of the 'stickiest' life lessons for me was that I have an ongoing obligation to contribute in a positive way to the community in which I live.
Late last month a real estate flyer landed in our letter box. Luckily I looked at it before I tossed it in the recycling.
Our local real estate agency was identified as a collection point for an Australian initiative running this month called Share the Dignity (and the link to the website is here).
Simply put it says that 'No woman should suffer the indignity of choosing between eating or buying sanitary items.'
We were asked to provide new and unopened sanitary items (pads, tampons, cups, reusable pads, incontinence products) for those in need. It also reminded me that on any given night in my country 1 in 200 people are homeless and that most of them are women and children. Family violence is the number one reason that people present to homeless services.
Regular readers will know that homelessness and family violence are causes dear to my heart.
So I contributed. Of course. And plan to do so again before the end of the month.
I know I said I would post more balloon photos this week. I lied. Next week. I promise. And here is a taste...
We have a similar ongoing event here . It is a pretty easy contribution and something I never ( even at my poorest) ever had to worry about. We also have a wonderful opportunity to get rid of nice clothes that you no longer wear to be used for job interviews. It is great and you can donate a complete ensemble down to the jewelry.
ReplyDeleteAnne in the kitchen: At my poorest it WAS a significant expense. One I am glad is in my past.
DeleteLove the complete ensemble idea. I wonder whether there is something similar here. I hope so.
Good for you and your community for kicking in to fight homelessness. It's so depressing. Everyone should have a home.
ReplyDeleteSandra: It is a problem in waaaaay too much of the world.
DeleteAnd I should add helping those in need whether homeless or not.
ReplyDeleteSandra: YES. I should have made it clear that this initiative isn't limited to the homeless.
DeleteYes it is terrible what some woman and children go through in their lives. This is certainly a very worthy cause to support and you make me laugh when you said you lied!
ReplyDeleteMargaret Birding For Pleasure: It is a tragedy experienced by too many people. World-wide. I try not to fib, and apologise when I do. Nice to hear it made you laugh though.
DeleteI've heard of similar before. I assume all are now GS tax free?
ReplyDeleteAndrew: I assume so (and about time too) but it is still a significant expense for those on limited incomes.
DeleteWhat a great drive. There are always food drives here but they never ask for those types of items.
ReplyDeleteWe are: Clamco: There are food and clothing drives here too, but I like this extension.
DeleteWhat a good idea. Haven't heard of it down this way.
ReplyDeleteMargaret-whiteangel: I hope there are some outlets participating in your part of the country.
DeleteHi EC - so pleased you stopped to look ... and an essential element to the necessities of life for women ... I feel for those in refugee camps, or those escaping and travelling long distances.
ReplyDeleteThis is a copy quote from a BBC Outlook programme site:
BBC: "Last year we brought you the extraordinary story of the Indian inventor who came up with a simple machine that women can use to make and sell sanitary pads. For thousands of them, it's a life changing device. The story got a huge reaction. One person it inspired was a yoga teacher from the UK called Amy Peake. She decided she wanted to take the machines into refugee camps. Some people thought she was crazy but she didn't give up, and last month she travelled to the Zaatari camp in Jordan, where 80,000 Syrian refugees live."
These I'd heard about ... and also British school children here are helping school mates by giving them items - those that can to those that can't.
It's something that tends to get quietly forgotten ... but is now being spoken about and being brought to the forefront.
Much better than balloons ... but I love those too! Have a good week - cheers Hilary
Hilary Melton-Butcher: What brilliant initiatives. Hooray for that Indian inventor and those who spread the product. I imagine it made a HUGE difference to women in refugee camps.
DeleteDear EC
ReplyDeleteSomething else we lucky people don't necessarily consider until someone brings it to our attention. I must see what is similar here.
Thank you for the prompt
Best wishes
Ellie
Ellie Foster: Thank you. I do hope there IS something similiar near you.
DeleteWow, I hope there is something similar here though probably not. This is a great initiative and your parents were right. Can't wait to see the rest of your photos!
ReplyDeletee: Two of my us have taken that life lesson on board - and both of us get more from it than we give. There will be many, many photos to come. I hope you and Lukas are having a good day.
DeleteIt is blissfully cool here at the moment and when it is light I am heading off to some of my 'other' community service.
I am not sure whether my city has such designated collection points, but I do contribute to such causes.
ReplyDeleteAnd something that, perhaps, does not occur to some...in times of extended drought (Aussies will understand) consider donating these sanitary items and "luxury" items, like hand cream, lip salve, nail files,...the pretty things that are the first to go when conditions get tough.
And for Petes sake, nail your local MP on his/her Party's stand on this. Seriously...Emily Pankhurst may have won us the right to vote, but now it's up to us to make sure those we vote for do the right thing.
Sorry, EC, I should not take over your page for politics! You are doing good work.
dinahmow: I have made a point of contributing similar items and 'luxuries' to drives for the drought affected.
DeleteI haven't bothered to approach the MPs though. I don't have the energy to spare.
I worked with the homeless. Most were men, but some were women. Their stories broke my heart. Your community had a great idea. Sanitary products are something we never consider when it comes to homeless women.
ReplyDeletemxtodis123: I like the idea that continence products were also considered. Another area which doesn't get the attention it needs.
DeleteLiar liar pants on fire! :) I forgive you!
ReplyDeleteHomelessness, hunger, deprivation continue to exist in rich countries... in yours, in mine... sad.
Caterina: Sad, and bad.
DeleteThat's a great cause. Homelessness, poverty, and lack of food are passions of mine.
ReplyDeleteNatalie Aguirre: They are passions of mine too.
DeleteThank you for spreading the word about the need for these items to be shared with those who cannot afford them. I am appalled on a daily basis by how many people the world over don't have a roof over their heads. :-(
ReplyDeleteDJan: I am appalled too. Daily. Which hurts my head and my heart.
DeleteThis is a very good cause.
ReplyDeleteJamie Ghione: Isn't it?
DeleteThis is an often overlooked aspect of poverty that exclusively affects females - it's good that it's coming to the fore. In Canada, British Columbia just announced that by year's end all schools in that province will provide free sanitary products for students. I hope other provinces, including ours, follow suit. It's something that men just don't have to even think about, but is so limiting for women. Perhaps that's why it's taking so long to do something about it in our still-male-dominated society.
ReplyDeleteYour community involvement puts me to shame, EC. I find it hard, being an introvert, to get myself out there. Generally I work for one charity or another during their door-to-door collection campaigns, but this year I bowed out of that, too. It was so difficult to make myself go out and knock on doors last year. I need to find something else that is more doable for me.
jenny_o: I couldn't, just couldn't go door to door. So I don't. I find other ways to help which suit my also introverted self better.
DeleteI echo what Jenny_O said. It was in the news the other day about a program to provide free sanitary products for women and girls who could not afford it. I'm glad of this initiative.
ReplyDeleteBravo for you also for being involved in your community. I used to go door to door for soliciting funds for charity but I knew all the people in the neighbourhood. I don't like to go door to door now because I don't know the people in the neighbourhood but I still donate to charity.
Hugs, Julia
Julia: As I said to jenny_o, going door to door is beyond me. So I do what I can in other areas. Thank you for the hugs which are reciprocated.
DeleteProjects such as the one you describe are becoming part of the discussion finally everywhere is appears. About time! Period!
ReplyDeleteMarie Smith: My grumpy self suspects that if men endured periods the required products would have been free decades ago.
DeleteSanitary products are not cheap. I find that fact both frustrating and perplexing.
ReplyDeleteBea: They aren't are they? A very expensive non-luxury. Hiss and spit.
DeleteOf course. You don't bypass any opportunity to give (to post balloons, maybe, but not the important stuff.)
ReplyDeleteTake care, EC.
Rawknrobyn: The balloons are delayed - but not cancelled. Thank you - and hugs.
DeleteHa ha ha, never missed one. The balloon race is a period, great man.
ReplyDeleteBob Bushell: More balloons soon. LOTS more.
DeleteNo woman should suffer the indignity of choosing between eating or buying sanitary items.'
ReplyDeleteAMEN
John Going Gently: And so say all of us.
DeleteI love the name and what you are doing. So important. We have a startup just birthing for Senior Women in poverty. Homelessness here too and no dignity living in cars and shelters. It is appalling.
ReplyDeleteXO
WWW
Wisewebwoman: As soon as I read the flyer and went to the website I knew I had to participate. I was super impressed that as well as pads and tampons they ask for continence products. So I added them to my donation too.
DeleteWhat a worthy cause. My heart aches for women who are homeless wherever they are. Good for you donating and bringing this to all of us. I am not surprised at your giving because it is obvious to me that you are empathetic and generous. When we think of walking in the shoes of those mothers who are trying to protect their children, who will give up food to give to their babies and who will do without the most necessary things for themselves in order to take care of their families, we have to do what we can for them. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteGlenda Beall: Thank you. I knew I had to contribute to this cause, and am glad to spread the word.
Deletethat is one of the best programs.
ReplyDeleteA friend told me recently about a homeless boy in a shelter. One worker asked him what he would like for Christmas. He whispered to her, "a roll of toilet paper."
Susan Kane: I would have wept if I had heard that small boy.
DeleteThe statistics are about the same here, as far as it being a lot of women and children. The average age of a homeless person in the US is 8 years.
ReplyDeleteYou've reminded me that our food bank loves it when people give such sanitary products, i need to buy some and drop them off.
messymimi: I don't know what the average age of our homeless people is, but it. simply. shouldn't. happen. It is a tragedy and an obscenity.
DeleteGreat cause, that is oft forgot. There have been so many terrible murders lately, very prominent in the news, of women killed by men in their lives. There are so many who suffer violence from someone they thought would love them. The feminine product deprival story has hit the news when we heard young women are not given a right to have tampons in jail, only pads, and they have to turn in a used one, to get another. That is certainly humiliating to think about. Great cause, EC.
ReplyDeleteStrayer: As if it wasn't bad enough to be in jail...
DeleteIt is a great cause, and I was so very grateful that I didn't toss the real estate flyer into recycling without reading.
My younger daughter can't afford sanitary products, just too expensive. She finds it hard enough buying nappies for her baby. Fortunately we do a shop for her every week, but what about all those women that aren't that fortunate?
ReplyDeleteLL Cool Joe: I am so glad that your daughter has you to support her. And yes, what about all the other women...
DeleteSounds like a wonderful program and a problem (for lack of a better word) that is so often forgotten about. I think your parents did a great job concerning your ongoing obligation. You touch people in a positive way in so many ways that you never realize. You are an inspiration. Love the balloons too.
ReplyDeleteMason Canyon: Thank you. The community contribution is something I am happy to have taken on board.
DeleteI love the idea of the cup because once a woman has one she won't ever need another sanitary item (at least she shouldn't after she gets the hang of it)
ReplyDeleteOf course many women don't want to use them.
Thanks for contributing in this way.
kylie: I really liked the inclusion of the cup in the products they were asking for as well. I never used them (not even sure they were available) but they do seem to be a much greener alternative.
Delete♥
ReplyDeleteAuthor R. Mac Wheeler: Thank you.
DeleteWe had a similar drive here in my town where we packed gently used purses with products women on the street can use for their time of the month. Living on the street could happened to any one of us...
ReplyDeleteMisadventures of Widowhood: Welcome and thank you. The same real estate agent had a drive on Christmas where we were asked to pack a lightly used handbag with treats for women who so often don't get them - moisturiser, scent and the like. I supported that one too.
DeleteI am happy those causes are near your heart, mine too. Your photos never disappoint 👍 love balloons but not brave enough to ride in one lol
ReplyDeleteKim@stuffcould...: I think these causes are dear to many women. I hope so anyway. I love balloons and thoroughly enjoyed the times I was able to fly.
DeleteThose are always good causes to give to.
ReplyDeleteMary Kirkland: I think so too.
DeleteI feel honored to know you. You do more for your community and humanity than most people in this world. If I were there I’d give you a tremendous hug. Sadly, it will have to remain virtual.
ReplyDeleteRiver: Huge thanks. I often feel guilty I don't do more.
DeleteThese are such great causes to do.
ReplyDeleteNas: They are - but my heart aches at their necessity.
DeleteYour heart is one of thee reasons I appreciate you so much. It still amazes me that there are so many poor people in the world who are either homeless, or have to make choices between food, or medication or hygiene items. Even worse or those who run from domestic violence situations in an attempt to be safe, leaving with nothing except the clothing on their backs. What saddens me even more is how many people still look down on those who are less fortunate. Thanks for shining the light on these issues. Hugs...RO
ReplyDeleteRO: Thank you. Anyone who looks down on those less fortunate they they are is no friend of mine. So many of us are only a few short steps away from disaster.
DeleteA very worthy cause!
ReplyDeleteLady Fi: Sadly, yes. I deplore it necessity though.
DeleteI have heard that many girls feel compelled to miss school during their periods for lack of sanitary products
ReplyDeleteSue in Italia/In the Land Of Cancer: How very wrong that is in our affluent cultures.
DeleteThese things we take for granted, what a very worthy cause and well done for sharing this. Looking forward to those hot air balloon photos. Must have been quite a sight.
ReplyDeleteDeniseinVA: I find the things that many of us take for granted that are luxuries for others growing all the time. Which is dreadful. I will post more balloons mid next week (and they are an amazing sight).
DeleteThank you on behalf of them....
ReplyDeleteReHiTu: Welcome and thank you. I remember saving up for shampoo and how awful it felt...
DeleteThank you for your kind comment my dear friend.
ReplyDeleteSending to you lots of hugs and Love!
sonia a. mascaro: Hugs and love gratefully received and reciprocated.
DeleteIt really saddens me how many people are homeless these days!
ReplyDeleteMy wife gave a homeless person that's around in our area a fresh loaf of bread when she was coming back from the grocery store, we just hope he knew what to do with it, seeing we don't know if he's quite write in the mind.
Lon Anderson: How nice of your wife. I hope the homeless person did know what to do with it, and finds the support he or she needs.
DeleteYes, here in the UK we have similar initiative's.
ReplyDeleteI liked your photograph, and looking forward to more :)
All the best Jan
Lowcarb team member ~Jan: I don't know whether to be happy the initiatives exist or appalled that they are needed. Both I think.
DeleteMore balloons Wednesday or Thursday next week.
That is such an alarming and very sad statistic.
ReplyDeleteCountryMum: Isn't it? I suspect the numbers are down on reality too. I don't for example know whether couch-surfers are included in the homeless statistics.
DeleteHope you are having a peaceful weekend filled with sunshine, flowers, birds and joy.
ReplyDeleteSandra: I am, and hope you are too.
DeleteThere is something wrong when we can raise so much money to rebuild Notre Dame almost overnight (and I applaud that) but we cannot solve the problem of homelessness or allocate the funds needed to make a difference.
ReplyDeleteDavid Gascoigne: Very wrong. I think it is a question of priorities (and I am also very glad that Notre Dame is to be rebuilt).
DeleteThat is a great cause, EC! Too many people go without items that grant basic dignity.
ReplyDeleteJohn Wiswell: I thought so too, and was very happy to be able to contribute - and did so again yesterday.
DeleteSchoolgirls over here are finally going to get free sanitary products after the enforced austerity measures have left many of them in dire circumstances when their family have to choose between food and getting them the products needed. Periods are not a choice, and I guarentee if men got them all such products would have been free for decades. Good cause, well done you x
ReplyDeleteStarshine Twinkletoes: I think it is obscene that in our relatively wealthy cultures so many people struggle with the basics. And yes, you are right on the free sanitary products if men got periods. I suspect it would be automatic time off school/work too.
DeleteThis is so sad. It's happening all over the world. Sanitary products are expensive too! A great cause EC!! Big Hugs!
ReplyDeleteMagic Love Crow: They are very expensive aren't they? Which is so very wrong. Hugs.
Delete