Their motto is ‘empowering girls for life’ and the Taree Great Lakes Physical Culture Club has gone one step further by contributing to the empowerment and support of women at the Taree Women’s Refuge.
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Over the course of a term, the club of almost 90 members contributed items for more than 30 Share the Dignity bags, as well as a cash donation of $150.
“The money was collected at our pyjama and popcorn classes,” TGL Physical Culture, Lyn Creek said.
The bags include deodorant, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, pads, tampons and hair products and other personal products. Each is a bit different.
The club members were enthusiastic about contributing, with one grandmother making 26 bags to put items inside.
Lyn said the club had been inspired by the efforts of member, Neleh Jones who organised a high tea earlier this year to fund-raise for the refuge.
“We talked about it a lot in class and thought we’d try and do something as well,” Lyn said.
“A few of our members feel that shelters are important.”
Lyn said the club gave to the community regularly and held fundraisers twice a year.
TGL Physical Culture is a club of the BJP Physical Culture organisation and runs classes in Taree, the Great Lakes, Gloucester and Stroud. The BJP motto is Empowering Girls for Life.
Samaritans SHS (Specialist Homelessness Services) co-ordinator, Suzi Rowe said they were thankful for the donation and blessed to have such a supportive community.
She said the bags were given to the women who required the refuge service.
“We do up the rooms and we put bags like these on their beds, and even kids beds for them. They also receive a crocheted blanket and a toy on the bed for the children.”
Lauren Green
Lauren has been a journalist with the Manning River Times since 2001.
Lauren has been a journalist with the Manning River Times since 2001.
