Period Pack is a 100% donation powered community initiative working to provide homeless and vulnerable women with menstrual, maternity and personal care products. Lily and volunteers have been distributing lovingly made care packages to women throughout the Bundjalung Nation since 2015 and now service an area from Coffs Harbour to Coolangatta and further inland. Each pack now includes a hand written note and is designed to not only to prevent women from having to choose between a meal and managing their menstruation but also to let each individual know that they are seen and valued by their community.
Period pack was started by Lismore local Lily Harrison – you can read more about her and this initiative below!
Why did you start period pack? I started Period Pack when I was 15. At the time, I was working in the main thoroughfare in Byron and I was having these conversations with many of the homeless men about their experiences – things like not having access to showers or being able to clean their clothes. At around the same time I had my first period and when I connected that with what I was being told about the vulnerability of many in my community, I felt there was a need to provide the items many of us take for granted to women who couldn’t afford them.
Why do you think it’s important for our community? I’m a big believer in helping your own community before you can start to help others. I think that in Australia we view ourselves as a very privileged country – in many ways we are. But I think this also means that we overlook the poverty and disadvantage that exists. When I was researching homelessness in Australia way back in the beginning of this journey, I found that Byron Bay, Lismore and surrounds has the largest homeless population outside of Sydney and a mere fraction of the resources. Women in regional and rural areas are more likely to experience a need for these types of services but much less likely to have access to them.
How can people get involved? I understand that everyone’s skills, available time and ability to help is different so I’ve tried to provide as many options as possible. Aside from donating money or product, people can help sew bags, attend packing days, share our story and host a collection point or packing party of their own. Now we even have a school and ambassador program available! It’s all on the website 🙂
CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE WEBSITE
OR
DONATE TO THE CAUSE BELOW
You can also donate products like menstrual products/soap/lip balm and even home sewn bags to provide these products in. Checkout what products you can donate HERE
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