Hygiene Poverty: Here’s your guide to helping those in need in Ireland

65% of survey respondents admitted to facing difficulties affording hygiene items over the past year

The initiative will see the health and beauty retailer matching donations made in participating stores throughout the month.

This partnership aims to provide essential personal care items to those living in poverty after alarming figures were revealed.

Stats show that 65% of survey respondents admitted to facing difficulties affording hygiene items over the past year.

The Stark Reality

Hygiene poverty is a reality faced by many in Ireland and refers to the inability to afford everyday items that we often taken for granted. 

Recent research conducted by Hygiene Hub highlighted that people with disabilities, part-time workers, students, and those with childcare responsibilities are most susceptible to hygiene poverty. 

A startling 65% of survey respondents admitted to facing difficulties affording hygiene items in the previous year. 

Boots and Hygiene Hub Collab 

In 2023, Boots made a contribution of 1,100 kilograms of essential items to the Hygiene Hub, through the generosity of its customers and direct donations. 

This support underscores the retailer's commitment to making a tangible difference in the fight against hygiene poverty. 

More Drop-Off Points Nationwide

Boots is extending its commitment this February by adding drop-off points to five additional stores, bringing the total number of stores accepting donations to fifteen. 

In Dublin alone, customers can contribute to the cause at six locations, including:

• Dundrum
• Carrickmines
• Swords
• Malahide
• Liffey Valley
• Blanchardstown

Drop-off points are also available in: 

• Letterkenny
• Wicklow Town
• Bray
• Clonmel
• Douglas
• Blackpool
• Half Moon Street (Cork)
• Shop Street
• Wellpark (Galway)

Make a Difference

Customers who would like to support this wonderful initiative can easily purchase items in-store or contribute new, unused personal care and household cleaning essentials, such as:

• dental products
• Deodorant
• shower gel
• Shampoo
• Nappies
• toilet roll
• Razors
• period products
• Hairbrushes

The collected products will then be distributed by Hygiene Hub's dedicated community volunteers to a network of Community Partners, including organisations, charities, and schools. 

A Shared Effort

Martha Ryan, Head of Human Resources and ESG Lead for Boots: "Matching donations that customers make in store throughout February is a further step in our continued commitment towards the partnership. 

“We hope our customers take advantage of the great value offering available in stores to pick up additional items to donate to this very deserving charity." 

Ciára Dalton, Head of Partnerships at Hygiene Hub, thanked the team, and said: "Hygiene Hub is committed to ending hygiene poverty in Ireland, and the additional drop-off points being added by Boots will make it easier for people to drop off donations. 

“If you use an item, chances are someone else needs it too. Any unused, in-date personal care, and hygiene items will be accepted." 

The community is encouraged to play an active role in making a meaningful impact, fostering a collective commitment to end hygiene poverty across Ireland.

For more information, you can visit https://www.boots.ie//about-company-information