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Kits help women, kids fleeing violence

Shannon SmithAlbany Advertiser

Women and children affected by domestic violence in the Great Southern will benefit from a supplies donation drive for Albany Women’s Centre Kare Kits.

Launching the drive on International Women’s Day last Thursday, the personal care bags provide toiletries and other essentials to women fleeing and surviving violent situations.

Soroptimist AWCKK co-ordinator Janet McCartney said donations from the community could make the AWC women feel supported instead of degraded.

“They have been created as an essential need as (the women and children) stay at the centre as they can have hygiene and dignity issues,” she said.

“Kare Kits are really a personal care bag with shampoo, conditioner, comb, brush, soap, toothbrush and toothpaste (women may get shavers and deodorant) for every person who comes to AWC.

“Extras will be what is available, such as clothes and school equipment.”

A past client of the AWCKK who wished to remain anonymous said the kits touched the hearts of women and children who were suddenly faced with relying on strangers for every-thing.

“To know you can stay put for a few days, without the need to go to the shops is one reason why these are so important for struggling women,” she said.

“Also just one less thing to pay for is very welcome when you face putting your life back together from scratch.

“Some women have no access to cash so to have these items provided is vital.”

The donation drive will run until April 14 and Albany Women’s Centre and Albany Soroptimist International will be urging locals to donate at drop-off points around town.

Drop-off points in Albany include AnglicareWA office, Vancouver Arts Centre, NAB Albany, Leading Edge Computers, Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre and Western Workwear.

NAB Denmark and Bendigo Bank Mount Barker are also collection points.

More information can be found at the Albany Women’s Centre Kare Kits facebook page.

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