About Us
Hygiene Hub was founded by three women, Ciára Dalton, Sorcha Killian, and Rosie McDonagh. With backgrounds in human rights, start-ups and fundraising, we knew the impact that poverty was having in our local community, and the vital support that charities were providing, but access to hygiene products was often something that was missed. Charities were supporting their clients with food hampers and often received requests for toiletries, but these weren’t items they had on hand. United by the principle that hygiene poverty simply should not exist in Ireland, we started collecting hygiene products to donate to local charities. We called on friends, family, and colleagues and created drop-off points in local businesses to allow the general public to donate as well. We then deliver these items to local organisations.
In late 2019, we made our donation of 30kg of products to a homeless charity in inner-city Dublin. By early 2023, Hygiene Hub had donated over 40,000kg of products all over Ireland. Ciára, Rosie and Sorcha have grown what was a local community group of 3 people who wanted to make a difference, into a national charity of more than 50 volunteers across 7 counties - all whilst working and studying full time. Our goal is simple: to tackle hygiene poverty, one helping hand at a time.
Rooted in community, Collaborative,
Resourceful, Inclusive, Compassionate
Our Mission
To provide hygiene and household cleaning products through our network of partners and to be advocates for change through education, research and campaigns.
Our Vision
Our vision is for everyone in Ireland to have equal access to hygiene and household cleaning products.
What Is Hygiene Poverty?
It is parents being unable to change a baby's nappy as often as needed or reusing dirty nappies.
It is not being able to replace a toothbrush or one family sharing a toothbrush because one each isn't an option.
It is washing hair, bodies, faces and clothes in the same washing-up liquid used for the dishes.
It is not being able to wash clothes, uniforms and sports kits when needed.
The Stats
180,000
children are at risk of poverty, an increase of 20,0000 from 2021
41%
of people have had to cut back or go without hygiene items or cleaning products
48%
of people prioritised other spending over hygiene items or cleaning products
668,126
people were at risk of poverty in 2023. In many cases despite having a job
17.7%
of people experience 2 or more types of deprivation. For those on low incomes, this becomes 42.7%
Meet The Team
Hygiene Hub is made up solely of volunteers who are passionate about tackling hygiene poverty. Everyone who supports Hygiene Hub with their time does so working around jobs, families and other commitments. We are truly grateful for the support of our volunteers.
