you’ve checked into your hotel, you have your room key, and when you step through the door and unload your bags, one of the first things you do is check out the free bathroom products – Who’s with me???
I once stayed at the Hilton in Melbourne, Australia which is where I’m from. I was working at a fundraising conference at the time and I knew I had struck gold when the free bathroom products were l’occitane! Needless to say my friends and family were extremely pleased when I brought home a handful of moisturisers, soaps, shampoos and conditioners for them to indulge in.
Over the years I have developed a collection of my favourite organic brands that I always take with me when I travel, so nowadays I don’t end up using the toiletries provided by the hotels I stay at. However, in saying this, I still make sure to always collect them from my stays. Why? Because it’s amazing how much they can help another person.
Every day when the products have been re stocked, I remove them from the bathroom and place them in my bag. After I’ve been on a few trips and have assembled a small gift bag full, I take them my local woman’s shelter and donate them.
The majority of women and children who go to shelters often arrive at night, and haven’t had time to pack a bag or to grab the basics with them like a toothbrush. Having these items on hand helps shelters to provide those seeking assistance with the necessities, making their stay a bit more manageable.
A lot of shelters rely on the generosity of the public to run, so even a small donation such as toiletries can make a huge impact. It is a little extra weight that I carry in my bag on the trip home, but it’s absolutely worth it when I think about the people these items go to help.
I started doing this last fall as the suggestion of a friend – I used to just hoard them all…”just in case” lol. It’s such a great idea, and I can only imagine how nice it is to smell good after possibly sleeping on the street.
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That’s so great that you already do this! So much kindness being spread around the world, i love it!
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That is such a kind and great idea – can’t believe I’ve never realised this myself! I guess the only downside is the additional plastic used in these little packs, but in the light of what you actually manage to do with them, that’s minimal. Thanks for the idea and inspiration!!
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Your welcome! I love that something as small as this can make such a big impact 🙂
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This is a great and sweet idea! Sadly, I’ve never thought of it this way before. Now when I see the toiletries, I’ll think of this. Thank you!!
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I always like to think of simple ways that can benefit others and it’s great when I can share them with you all.
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Great idea!! Thanks for sharing!
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You’re welcome
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My parents actually collect these at parties they throw at home (along with full bottles if people don’t have hotel size ones) to donate to the women’s shelters in Toronto every summer, instead of people bringing bottles of wine or anything else. I love it. Whenever I stay in hotels I make sure I do the same 🙂
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That’s amazing! I love this idea, what a nice gesture on their part. So great that you do it as well!
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This is such an amazing gesture. Thanks for letting us know, I’ll follow the same route!!
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So happy to share with you all.
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This is a great idea! Thanks for sharing! I hope this catches on!
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Thanks! Me too!
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I do exactly the same thing – take them home, even if I won’t personally use them. They go straight to our local homeless shelter and they are always appreciated there!
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That’s so great! It’s a tiny gesture on our part, but means so much to someone else.
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This is a great idea! I can’t usually use the products as my skin is very sensitive so will do this in future!
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I love knowing that they’re going to good use. They’re are a few charities out there that can benefit from them. Makes me happy.
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This is such an awesome idea! I never really use the hotel toileteries anyway. Who can wash long hair with those tiny shampoo bottles? Seriously! It’s great to be able to give to people who need things like that.
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Oh I know! Those bottles mainly work for people with shorter hair, definitely not us haha. I’m glad they’ll be going to good use.
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