For a second year staff and residents at Bethanie Joondanna and Bethanie on the Park in WA have been busy supporting the national ‘It’s in the Bag’ Christmas campaign which is about giving the gift of a little luxury to women experiencing hardship at Christmas time.

The idea 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.

Thanks to the great generosity from friends and family at Bethanie Joondanna and Bethanie on the Park, residents and staff put together a combined total of 93 bags over the past month with items such as shampoo, soaps and sunscreen as well as a few luxury items including makeup, jewellery and perfumes.

Bethanie on the Park Chaplain Trainee, Kyla Hillmer said their residents loved being involved in such a good cause and joined with residents from Bethanie on the Park wearing Santa hats to pack the bags in the spirit of Christmas.

“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.