Category Archives: Community Engagement

Share the Dignity supports women in crisis, in particular homeless women and victims of domestic violence. This charity collects thousands of personal hygiene products each year for women and girls in these circumstances. Debbie Harbrow from Hamilton Campus has been instrumental in helping the charity out by collaborating with TAFE staff and students to donate to this worthwhile cause.

In 2017 Hamilton TAFE Library asked for donations from campus staff and students. There was an amazing response from the TAFE community with donations given locally at Hamilton, but also donations sent to us from other TAFE locations around the state – including our wonderful TAFE Library Services team at Strathfield.

Not being one to rest on her laurels, Debbie then took on the task of co-ordinating a group work assignment with Community Services IV students in conjunction with their teacher. The “It’s in the Bag” fundraiser aims to make life a little better for women and girls experiencing homelessness or poverty at Christmas. Last year 85,000 women needed help. Debbie was able to extend the drive to other TAFE Campuses in the Hunter & Central Coast regions and this resulted in a contribution of over 100 handbags filled with sanitary items, shampoos & conditioners, deodorants, soaps and various other items handed over to the charity.

Recently, Debbie organised a fundraising dinner at the Clydesdale restaurant at Hamilton with proceeds going to the charity. Over $1,100 was raised as well as a large amount of toiletry items were donated. The volunteers talked about another of the charity’s initiatives, the Dignity Vending Machines, several of which have already been installed in schools and public toilets. The Share the Dignity Volunteers who attended the dinner were thrilled with the TAFE’s fundraising efforts coordinated by Debbie and are looking forward to a continuing partnership.