News Release

Latter-day Saint Women Give the Gift of Dignity to Women in Hardship Conditions

 

Women in the Como ward (congregation) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in suburban Perth hosted a community “Packing Party” on November 18th to benefit Share the Dignity, an organisation which helps women living in crisis situations.

Participants brought handbags they no longer use to the “party” and filled each one with hygiene products, toiletries, hairbrushes and other useful and fun items. A total of 59 handbags were prepared to be delivered to needy women living on the streets, in safe houses, and other difficult circumstances. A hand-written card conveying love and encouragement for the recipient was tucked into each bag after it was filled.

The attendees enjoyed visiting with each other as they assembled the gifts while listening to music playing in the background and eating the delicious refreshments served throughout the evening.

Robyn Wyllie said of the event, "It is a good thing to come together in the Church and in the community to help those in need.  We are to follow the example of Jesus Christ and be 'doers of the word, not hearers only.'"

“We realised that these women would appreciate receiving their gifts in a nice handbag instead of just a box or a bag,” said Chantal Jackson. “It made me happy to think about the surprise and delight on their faces when they open up their new handbag and see all the items in it.”

Indeed, that was the case, as illustrated by this note from one of the recipients: “I received the gift of a bag. You have no idea how priceless it was. I literally had nothing and then received this bag. When I was finally able to freshen up I had absolutely every single thing I needed.“

“I was basically living out of a car with my two young boys. I just left it in the car and used everything when I needed it. Thank you so much--no one will ever know how much it means to me.”

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