This November in Bendigo, Share the Dignity is calling on residents to ensure women and girls spending Christmas in domestic violence refuges, homeless shelters, or living in poverty, receive basic essentials and the gift of love and hope for Christmas through the It’s in the Bag campaign.

The initiative is in its ninth year and encourages people to pay it forward by filling a bag with a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, soap, roll-on-deodorant, and period products –as well as optional extras such as lip balm, socks, or a handwritten note.