The Love Grace Handbag Appeal was named after Grace Millane, the British tourist who was murdered by her Tinder date in Auckland in 2018.
The nationwide appeal, which started in 2020, combined Grace’s love of handbags with a mission to help women escaping violence.
Love Grace Handbag Appeal Central Otago co-ordinator Philippa Bain said people could put together a bag and drop it off at the libraries in Alexandra, Cromwell and Ranfurly until March 8.
People were asked to give a handbag containing at least six essential items — a toothbrush, toothpaste, shower gel, deodorant, shampoo and conditioner. Extras like hand gel, make up, scarves, and jewellery were welcomed. The handbags did not need to be new, but should be something you would be happy to give a friend or your mum.
Some bags were even donated with inspirational notes, she said.
Then the bags will be given to Women’s Refuge branches in Otago and potentially Southland.
Mrs Bain said she had taken part in similar appeals when she lived in Australia.
"It’s a great way to put a good spin on an awful tragedy."
Alexandra Library team leader Moniza Fenton said it was great the libraries could be a part of the appeal.
A table had be prepared at the Alexandra Library for people to leave their bags.
"Maybe the table will overflow," she said.
Both women said they would be pleased if they matched the amount of donations from last year, but hoped 100 or more bags would be donated this year.
Statistics
- On average, 50,000 women and children are referred to Women’s Refuge each year.
- On average Women’s Refuge answers 71 crisis calls per day.
- New Zealand has the highest rates of family violence in the OECD.
- 1 in 3 women will experience abuse in their lifetime in Aotearoa.
- Nearly half of all homicides and reported violent crimes are related to family violence.
- Around 67% of family violence episodes go unreported.
ella.jenkins@alliedpress.co.nz
