Close your eyes, and think about how you got yourself ready this morning for the day ahead, and think “what products did I use?“. Did you brush your teeth, have a shower, or wash your face?

Now, imagine if you had no access to any of these products… How would you feel?

This holiday season, Dogpatch Labs is partnering with startup Hygiene Hub to support its mission to combat hygiene poverty through its “Spread Kindness” campaign. Founded by three impact-driven women in 2019, Hygiene Hub works with diverse communities all over Ireland, from individuals to dual-income families, who are sometimes forced to choose between basic needs—like a loaf of bread or a tube of toothpaste.

So, what exactly is hygiene poverty?

It’s the inability to afford basic hygiene products, something many of us take for granted. Its impact can be severe:

Parents may have to reuse nappies; families might share a single toothbrush; some face choices between buying shampoo or paying bills; and many cannot wash their clothes regularly. Individuals can’t go to work or an interview, children go without going to school, and some live a reclusive life due to the feeling of shame or embarrassment of not having access to basic hygiene or cleaning products. This is where Hygiene Hub comes in.

Here’s how our startup members support

When you’re doing your weekly shopping, consider picking up an extra item or two—anything from shampoo to toothpaste—and drop them in these Dogpatch Labs boxes.

If you need an item every day, then it is likely someone else needs it too.

All donated goods will be collected and bagged on the 10th of December in discreet canvas tote bags, with our friends at Hygiene Hub then bringing them to their local distribution centre.

Partnering with startup member Shuppa to support time-poor founders

Sean Meagher, CEO and founder of e-commerce outfit Shuppa, first came through Dogpatch’s doors in 2023 as part of the NDRC Accelerator cohort and has since become a full-time member. Shuppa is betting on Irish shoppers’ appetite for groceries in 15 minutes. Convenient, cashless, and quick: it is the perfect solution for Dogpatch members strapped for time who may not have time to buy goods to support the Hygiene Hub drive. Now that’s what we call a partnership.

Check out Shuppa for yourself

Meet the powerhouses behind Hygiene Hub

Founded in 2019 by Ciára Dalton, Rosie McDonagh, and Sorcha Killian, Hygiene Hub began as a local community initiative and has since grown into a national charity, now with eight local hubs across Ireland. To date, they’ve donated over 65,000 kg of essential items to nearly 100 organisations across the country. We’re proud to support this initiative as part of our wider ESG strategy.

Learn more about Hygiene Hub