Lithgow and Portland women involved in the ‘Days for Girls’ project are hosting a high tea on October 28 to raise funds for the sanitary kits they sew and send to girls living in Dili, East Timor.
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So far the group of around twenty women, associated with St Vincent’s and St Patrick’s churches, have sent 700 kits to the Dili PCYC since 2015, which then get distributed to girls and elderly women through the centre.
“Until the kits became available girls would have to take the week off school for their menstruation or not go to work,” Joan Applin, one of the project coordinators said.
“They have no sanitary hygiene products, or even a way to dispose of them.”
Each kit contains a washbag, underwear, two holders and eight waterproof sheets that slot into the holders to create a reusable sanitary napkin. They cost about $15 each to make.
“The original kits sent in 2015 will now need replacing due to wash and wear so it will always be an ongoing venture. Of course we are always on the lookout for any items that the women and girls may be able to use, especially toiletries and baby goods,” Ms Applin said.
The high tea will take place from 2-4pm on Saturday, October 28, at Fatima Hall in Lithgow and costs $20 per head.
Former Lithgow police officer Libby Bleakly who set up the PCYC in Dili will be the event’s guest speaker.
RSVP to Joan Applin on 63551630 before October 23.