Record number of Kare Kits to be made up by Soroptomists International Albany for women’s centre

The Soroptomists International Albany received a record number of donations to fill drawstring bags of necessities for women and children fleeing domestic violence this year.

This is the 10th year the group has organised the Kare Kits drive for the Albany Women’s Centre.

“Compared to previous years, we probably got about 100 more donations,” program convenor Carol Thomas said.

“Last year, we put together 178 bags. This year, we’ll put together 260-odd bags.”

Each Kare Kit contains shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, body wash, or soap, a flannel, moisturiser, and a hair brush or comb.

Hidden amongst those necessities are some extra luxury items, including hair and face treatments, nail polish, crochet flannels, and other pamper items.

Kids receive school supplies, such as backpacks, lunchboxes, drink bottles and stationery as well as their own toiletries.

“The bottom line is about getting clean, getting tidy, feeling a bit of dignity,” she said.

“We’re adding dignity to people who’ve had to leave their homes, or maybe they’re couch surfing, and they’re still having to go to interviews, they’re still having to front up to places.

“It’s about giving them the way to be clean and tidy and neat and refresh themselves.

“That sense of self and self-confidence in being able to approach Centrelink, a job interview, an agency that you have to go through in order to get some housing, some support — to actually feel clean, feel refreshed does make that sense of self-confidence much greater.”

AWC’s Chelsi Moir said the Kare Kits were always very well-received by the women at the refuge.

“It means that they don’t have to rush home and get all of their amenities,” she said.

“The donations are really nice donations that show that the community really cares for the women and children that are coming to the centre, and it’s something small that means a lot to make people feel more comfortable over their first couple of days.

“Often you see a big smile when they’re opening up the bags, and like they’re looking through all the different things.

“It’s an immense impact.”

Anyone who wants to donate items to AWC throughout the year can do so at Anglicare Albany on Collie Street.