Christmas cheer ‘in the bag’
Residents at Western Australian not-for-profit aged care and retirement living provider Bethanie have been busy supporting the ‘It’s in the Bag’ Christmas campaign.
Bethanie residents prepare bags as part of the ‘It’s in the Bag’ campaign. (Source: Bethanie)
‘It’s in the Bag’ is about giving the gift of a little luxury to women experiencing hardship at Christmas time. The national campaign encourages Australians to donate a handbag they no longer use and fill it with items that would make a woman feel special, accompanied by a personal note to show that she matters and someone cares.
Over the past month, residents from Bethanie Joondanna and Bethanie on the Park generously donated bags and goods for the cause, and small groups gathered together to pack them as a way of supporting women who are disadvantaged this Christmas.
Thanks to the great generosity from friends and family at both sites, they managed to put together a combined total of 93 bags.
Bethanie on the Park Chaplain Trainee Kyla Hillmer says the residents loved being involved in this campaign for the second year running.
“We had a bag packing party with residents from Bethanie on the Park joining in the occasion wearing Santa hats to pack the bags in the spirit of Christmas. Everyone had such a great time and it was very exciting to be a part of such a good cause,” she says.
“Items such as shampoo, sunscreen and soaps were donated for the bags from the residents, in addition there was a few luxurious items including makeup, lovely pieces of jewellery, perfumes and personal handwritten cards to help the recipients feel special.”
Ms Hillmer says the fun and rewarding activity put smiles on everyone’s faces.
“It’s only a small gesture but we know the gift of a bag filled with both useful and personal items would mean the world to someone in need, particularly at this time of year.
“We can’t wait to do it all over again next year.”
