Community members are invited to see Coonabarabran’s Days for Girls sewing team in action and to become volunteers themselves.

The hardworking team behind the Coonabarabran chapter of international charity Days for Girls is holding a community Open Day on Saturday, 25 February.

From 9.30am to 12.00 noon the Uniting Church Hall will open its doors to raise awareness and support for Coonabarabran's Days for Girls, an organisation dedicated to ending period poverty worldwide.

The day is an opportunity to see the production of period kits in action, share in a complimentary morning tea, and hear from guest speaker, NSW State Coordinator of Days for Girls, Patsy Lucas. 

It is estimated that over 500 million people do not have what they need to manage their period and this perpetuates shame, health challenges and poverty.

Days for Girls, founded in 2008 by Celeste Mergens, is an international not-for-profit organisation that aims to turn “periods into pathways” through innovative menstrual health solutions and education.

The Coonabarabran chapter of Days for Girls meets weekly at Coonabarabran Uniting Church to hand-sew sustainable period products including shields, liners, underwear, waterproof pouches, washcloths, care instructions and more. 

"These kits allow them to get an education. And education changes everything.”

Since starting in 2016, the group, co-led by Nancy Wiese, Penny Hawkless and Wendy Johns, have manufactured and donated over 3000 kits, valued at $45,000.

“Lack of access to these products prevents girls from attending school or work,” says Coonabarabran team leader and NSW/ACT State Sewing Specialist, Nancy Wiese. "These kits allow them to get an education. And education changes everything.”

Men and women alike are encouraged to come along to the Uniting Church Hall from 9.30am on Saturday, 25 February and see the team in action as they sew, trace, cut, thread and pack their amazing washable menstrual kits.

A scrumptious morning tea will be provided, plus hands-on experience for anyone who would like to get involved – no sewing skills necessary!