Eliza Waszczak of Ashburton is collecting handbags filled with essential items for women escaping domestic violence.
The bags are for the Love Grace Appeal, created in memory of Grace Millane, a young British traveller who was killed during her travels to New Zealand in 2018.
Waszczak, co-ordinating the appeal locally for the third year, said the essential items can be purchased for as little as $20.
The appeal combined Millane’s love of handbags with helping women in need.
‘‘It is sad to think that for some women receiving the handbag when the arrive at Women’s Refuge is the first hand bag they have ever had,’’ Waszczak said.
People are asked to fill a new or second handbag good condition with essentials – shampoo, conditioner, body wash, deodorant a tooth brush and tooth paste.
Other luxury items such as nail polish, moisturisers, sunscreen can be included in the bag.
Friends and family could get together to make up bags or businesses could hold a morning tea and instead of paying for it bring an item for bag.
Millane’s family in the UK launched the initiative to honour her memory in a way that would bring light from tragedy, by providing handbags filled with essential items to women escaping domestic violence.
Now in its fifth year in New Zealand, the appeal is driven entirely by volunteers nationwide and to date, more than 15,000 handbags have been given to women in Aotearoa using the Women’s Refuge services.
“Providing clients a handbag that they get to choose themselves has been a vital step in our safety planning. When we offer a client the handbag, we always touch on Grace Millane’s story to explain how and why this appeal came about,’’ a spokesperson from Women’s Refuge said.
‘‘Clients often become emotional, it truly touches them. When they choose a handbag of their choice, their eyes light up. Often, they say ‘I’ve never owned a handbag before’ or ‘I’ve never been able to choose something just for me’. It’s a small moment that restores a sense of dignity and control.’’
Women’s Refuge said New Zealand has one of the highest rates of family violence in the OECD countries, with an average of 71 crisis calls made each day and around 50,000 women and children referred to refuge services each year.
The appeal runs from February 14 to International Women’s Day on March 8.
– Filled handbags for the Love Grace Appeal can be dropped off at Beauty Worx, 278 Tancred St, Ashburton from February 14 until March 8. For a list of items that can be included in a handbag go to /www.facebook.com/lovegracenz
