Share The Dignity: It's in the Bag Appeal at Embrace Medical

Caring for women and girls is at the heart of everything we do at Embrace Medical—and our commitment extends far beyond the clinic doors.

This festive season, we are partnering with Share The Dignity, an Australian charity dedicated to achieving menstrual equity and supporting vulnerable women. Through the annual "It's in the Bag" appeal, everyday essentials and personal care items are collected, packed into bags, and delivered to local shelters and refuges in time for Christmas Day.

To date, Share The Dignity has distributed over 1.1 million bags nationwide. For a woman or girl navigating domestic violence, displacement, or homelessness, receiving a bag filled with basic hygiene necessities and a few thoughtful treats offers comfort, dignity, and a reminder that her community cares.

How You Can Help

We have set up official collection tubs in our clinic waiting room. We are accepting donations from now until 18 November 2026, giving volunteers time to sort and distribute the bags before Christmas.

Bag Types Collected

• Adult Bags: Essential hygiene products and care items for adult women.
• Teen Bags: Targeted essentials and fun, age-appropriate extras for young girls.
• Mum & Bub Bags: Items tailored for new mothers and infants.

Accepted Items (New, Unused & Sealed)

• Bags: Pre-loved or new backpacks, handbags, nappy bags, and totes in excellent condition.
• Everyday Essentials: Shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste, body wash, soap, deodorant, face wipes, and period products (all types and absorbencies).
• Baby Essentials: Nappies, baby wipes, dummies, breast pads, baby shampoo, and nappy rash cream.
• Special Touches (Optional): Gift cards, makeup or self-care sets, perfume, jewellery, socks, underwear, earphones, stationery, or a handwritten note of encouragement.

Items We Cannot Accept

To ensure safety and speed up the volunteer sorting process, please do not include:

• Food or beverages
• Pharmaceuticals (e.g., paracetamol, throat lozenges, vitamins, or condoms)
• Sharps (e.g., razors, scissors, or loose blades)
• Loose/unwrapped period products or unsealed menstrual cups

Drop-Off Information

• Location: Embrace Medical waiting room front reception.
• Deadline: Wednesday, 18 November 2026.
• How to Donate: Simply place your items into the drop-off tubs during your next appointment. If you don't have an upcoming visit, feel free to pop in during clinic opening hours to drop off your contribution with our reception team.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the "It's in the Bag" appeal?

It is Share The Dignity's annual Christmas initiative collecting essential hygiene products and small gifts for women and teenage girls staying in domestic violence shelters and crisis accommodation.

Do I need an appointment to drop off a donation?

No. Anyone in the Wollongong community is welcome to drop donations into our waiting room tubs during normal business hours.

Why do donations close on 18 November?

Closing collections in mid-November allows Share The Dignity volunteers sufficient time to sort, pack, and transport the bags to local charities and shelters before Christmas Day.

Learn more about Share The Dignity and the "It's in the Bag" initiative →