It’s In the Bag at Bethanie Joondanna and Bethanie on the Park

Bethanie, Western Australia’s most recognised not-for-profit aged care and retirement living providers has been busy supporting the ‘It’s in the Bag’ Christmas campaign with staff and residents at Bethanie Joondanna and Bethanie on the Park.

‘It’s in the Bag’ is about giving the gift of a little luxury to women experiencing hardship at Christmas time. The idea behind the national campaign is for Australians to donate a handbag they no longer use and fill it with items that would make a woman feel special, accompanied by a personal note to show that she matters and someone cares.

Over the past month, residents from Bethanie Joondanna and Bethanie on the Park generously donated bags and goods for this cause, and small groups gathered together to pack them as a way of supporting women who are disadvantaged this Christmas

Thanks to the great generosity from friends and family at both sites, they managed to put together a combined total of 93 bags this year for ‘It’s in the Bag’.

Bethanie on the Park Chaplain Trainee, Kyla Hillmer said the residents loved being involved in this campaign and that this is the second year in a row they have taken part.

“We had a bag packing party with residents from Bethanie on the Park joining in the occasion wearing Santa hats to pack the bags in the spirit of Christmas. Everyone had such a great time and it was very exciting to be a part of such a good cause.

“Items such as shampoo, sunscreen and soaps were donated for the bags from the residents, in addition there was a few luxurious items including makeup, lovely pieces of jewellery, perfumes and personal handwritten cards to help the recipients feel special.

“It’s only a small gesture but we know the gift of a bag filled with both useful and personal items would mean the world to someone in need, particularly at this time of year. It was a fun and rewarding activity that put smiles on everyone involved and we can’t wait to do it all over again next year,” said Kyla.

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Pictured L-R: Betty Lewis, Sylvia Shaw, Claire Green, Doris Howe and Jan Hankins