MAKE A DIFFERENCE : Emma Carey
by Lorna Gordon
Emma Carey and Gabby Kerslake are no strangers to giving back . Emma is a NICU nurse at Westmead Children ’ s Hospital and Gabby is a nurse and lactation consultant , looking after new mums and their bubs at the Grace . As well as looking after other people ’ s families , they are both busy mums organising their own families .
Having a hectic life doesn ’ t stop them from giving back in other ways . Each year for the past five years they have arranged collections of bags filled with donated items for Share the Dignity ’ s annual # ItsInTheBag event .
This event is to encourage people to gather essential items for people in need at Christmas . These include sanitary and period products , nappies and items for
# ITSINTHEBAG babies , as well as a variety of essential items like shampoo , soap , toothbrushes and toothpaste .
In addition to these essential items , people can add in a little bit extra by putting in facemasks , socks and underwear , books and drink bottles .
Emma explained why this charity was so important to her .
“ We had done a few ladies nights for candle parties , and I saw an advert for # ItsInTheBag on Facebook . I thought that it was a good charity , and we could combine bag collections with a candle party .”
“ Now it ’ s more of a ladies night in of itself and it ’ s good to have it before the end of school year and Christmas activities kick in and life gets a bit crazy !”
As well as collecting the bags , Emma and Gabby think it ’ s an important event to help their friends and neighbours to reconnect .
“ When you are catching up with friends and have kids , you are often busy looking after them and you don ’ t get
Forty five bags were donated to Emma and Gabby ’ s event for Share the Dignity this year .
a chance to talk properly . Our # ItsInTheBag event gives our guests a good reason to have a night away from home and catch up with people with no distractions ,” Emma said .
“ Because we host it at home ( under COVID safe regulations this year ) no one has to spend a lot of money . If they have been running about after their kids , they don ’ t have to worry about getting too dressed up if they don ’ t want to . Everyone involved so far have told us that they had a good night , and we can help others while doing it .”
Emma also pointed out that it ’ s an event that ’ s easy to get behind and support .
“ It ’ s an opportunity to do something for people who aren ’ t as fortunate , and a perfect time of the year to give back . It ’ s easy to contribute to and not have to worry about ongoing costs .
“ Many of our friends who come now pick up bits and pieces through the year while they are on special offer and put them away for the party .”
Forty five bags were donated for last month ’ s event ; these will be delivered to a woman , new mum or older girl in need of help through the Christmas period .
The 2021 event has just passed but you can still support Share the Dignity . To find out the best way for you to show your support go to www . sharethedignity . org . au .
BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine . com . au ISSUE 09 // DECEMBER 2021 5