From tampons to pads, menstrual cups to period underwear, maternity pads to incontinence products - all forms of period sanitary products are welcome.

Local Share the Dignity shero, Mel O’Brien, said it would be great for the community to support the drive as all donated products would go to people who menstruate in the area who require assistance.

“It’s super important for the local community to donate any unopened products, whether it be cheap or expensive, even period undies and diva cups are welcome,” she said.

“People can drop off their products to either Woolworths or Gen Health and everything donated stays locally and is dispersed around town by local Hamilton charities to help the vulnerable and those in need.

“And it’s not just adults but also teenagers and younger people, which not everyone knows about.”

Period poverty is a widespread issue across the country and refers to a lack of access to menstrual products, sanitation facilities, and adequate education.

Dignity Drives aim to end period poverty by making essential sanitary products available to vulnerable women across the country, so nobody is forced to choose between buying food or the products necessary to get through their period.

The drive runs the full month of March and since being founded in 2015, Share the Dignity has donated over 3.8 million period products to those who menstruate through their Dignity Drives.

Ms O’Brien said the support for previous drives had been phenomenal and she hoped to see that continue this month.

“The drives have been so fantastic that once the Hamilton area is covered, the excess supports the rest of the south-west region,” she said.

“We’re hoping to see similar or better results this month.”

Gen Health marketing manager, Lauren McMahon, said the team were going into their third year of supporting Share the Dignity’s March Dignity Drive and hoped to receive many donations in their collection bin to help those in need within our local area.

“It is a cause closely aligned with our value of supporting the local community,” she said.

“Menstruating isn’t a choice and so many people are forced to choose between buying period products and other important items, such as food.

“We are accepting donations, including pads, tampons, menstrual cups, period underwear, maternity pads and incontinence products for the month of March at our reception.

“We thank our wonderful community for supporting such an important cause.”

Woolworths Hamilton store manager, Jen Bourke, said their collection bins were also now out and ready for people to place donations in, with high donation rates in previous drives.

“Our team was excited to kick off the Share the Dignity campaign in store (last) week, setting up the donation box at the front of our store near the exit of the self-service registers,” she said.

“We’re proud to continue our partnership with Share the Dignity and support the meaningful change they are creating.

“We would also like to thank all of our local Hamilton customers who have donated over time, as their generous contributions have helped provide access to period care for so many.”

The March Dignity Drive is one of three annual Share the Dignity events, with another Dignity Drive held in August and the ‘It’s in the Bag’ drive held in November, which sees people donate an excellent condition handbag, backpack, or baby bag filled with hygiene products. Locals who cannot make it to one of the donation boxes in town can contact Ms O’Brien at melanie_obrien_@hotmail.com who will collect the period products.