It's in the Bag at Bethanie Joondanna

Bethanie, one of Western Australia’s most well known 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. 

‘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, a total of $269.95 was raised at Bethanie Joondanna to buy items and bags to create the care packages for disadvantaged women. A large amount of personal items donated by residents were also used to fill the bags.

Thanks to the great generosity from friends and family at Bethanie, Bethanie Joondanna managed to put together a total of 30 bags for ‘It’s in the Bag’.

Bethanie Joondanna Chaplain, Sue Wilkins said the residents loved taking part in this campaign and now want to make it a yearly event.

“We had 12 residents from Bethanie Joondanna who helped a group of staff and volunteers pack the bags. Everyone had such a great time and it was very exciting to be apart of such a good cause.”

“Items such as shampoo, sunscreen and soaps were donated for the bags from the residents, in addition to 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 Sue.

Click here to find out more about Bethanie's aged care services.