The Essentials Collective launches city-wide drive for essential toiletries on International Women’s Day

A West Australian charity is marking International Women’s Day (Sunday, 8 March) with the launch of a city-wide campaign collecting essential toiletries for women and families experiencing crisis, at a time when cost-of-living pressures are pushing more people into hardship.

The Essentials Collective’s Collecting the Basics campaign will run from International Women’s Day through to National Family Violence Remembrance Day (Wednesday, 6 May 2026), creating a powerful two-month window focused on affirming dignity, safety and practical support.

The campaign will feature more than 305 donation boxes across Perth, hosted by local businesses and MP electorate offices, collecting new and unopened personal hygiene items including shampoo and conditioner, deodorant, toothpaste, body wash, sanitary products, and more.

The Essentials Collective Chairperson, Sonia Faccin Nolan, said the campaign addresses a growing but often hidden need in the community.

“Items like shampoo, toothpaste and deodorant are not luxuries, they are everyday essentials that help people feel confident, maintain dignity and participate in work, school and community life,” Ms Faccin Nolan said.

“With rising cost-of-living pressures, we are seeing increased demand from homelessness services, women’s refuges and crisis care providers. Many families are forced to prioritise food and rent over personal care items. This campaign ensures those basics remain accessible.”

The campaign is proudly sponsored by EEO Specialists, a professional training organisation dedicated to creating safe and respectful workplaces. Through both operational and campaign sponsorship, EEO Specialists has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting vulnerable people and driving positive change beyond the workplace.

Founder and Director of EEO Specialists, Franca Sala Tenna, said the alignment was a natural fit.

“At EEO Specialists, our work centres on building safe, respectful and inclusive workplaces. Supporting The Essentials Collective allows us to extend that commitment into the broader community,” Ms Sala Tenna said.

“Access to basic hygiene products may seem simple, but for someone experiencing crisis or family violence, these items can support dignity, confidence and a sense of normalcy.”

Since its establishment in 2014, The Essentials Collective has supported more than 45 frontline relief organisations across Western Australia. In its most recent campaign, the charity collected over 9,900 essential items, valued at more than $32,000, which were distributed directly to people doing it tough.

As a volunteer-run organisation that receives no government funding, The Essentials Collective relies entirely on community and business support.

Community members are encouraged to donate new, unopened toiletries at any of the collection points across Perth from 8 March to 6 May.

For a full list of donation locations, visit:www.theessentialscollective.org/collecting-the-basics