Handbags and essentials called for in charity drive

East Aucklanders are fully supporting a charity effort to help women in the name of young murdered British backpacker Grace Millane.

The Love Grace Handbag Appeal was started by her family in the United Kingdom because “Grace loved a handbag”, says Kylie-Ann Kearney, a New Zealand national-appeal lead co-ordinator.

“In her name, the Love Grace appeal was started to collect new or ‘gently used’ handbags, so they could be filled with useful items for women in need.

“The focus of the appeal is to raise awareness of domestic violence and support women living in this situation.”

The Love Grace Handbag Appeal runs each year between St Valentine’s Day on February 14 and International Women’s Day on March 8.

“Thousands of Kiwis assemble and donate handbags filled with essential items to help women passing through Women’s Refuges.

“These bags, more than just practical gifts, are symbols of love, empowerment, and support for women starting over after unimaginable hardships,” says Kearney.

Local east Auckland co-ordinator Sue Clearwater is easily motivated to assist.

“We all have daughters. We want them to be safe from domestic abuse,” she says.

There are two east Auckland places where handbags and the helpful items can be dropped off: The House of Travel office at 117 Picton Street, Howick – contact Alison Kearney; and Rapt Gift Shop, 21 Garden Lane, Botany Town Centre – contact Anj.

Alison Kearney, of House of Travel Howick, says handbags have already been donated.

“I see this as a wonderful opportunity to support an amazing cause and we have a good location, an easy place, for the handbags to be dropped off.”

Clearwater says there are 102 drop-off locations nationally and the appeal has 61 co-ordinators across the country with 161 volunteers.

Kylie-Ann Kearney says: “Last year, an incredible 5269 bags were donated to local Women’s Refuges around New Zealand.

“It’s a testament to the growing momentum behind this movement and the spirit of generosity that defines Kiwis.

“This overwhelming response sends a powerful message: as a nation, Aotearoa stands united against violence toward women, declaring it’s not okay.

“Some women often arrive at refuges with nothing but the clothes on their backs.

These handbags not only provide essentials to get them through but also show that someone cares.

“They’re a message of love, a boost in confidence, and a reason to smile when they need it most,” says Kylie-Ann Kearney.

“As Grace’s legacy continues to inspire, the Love Grace Handbag Appeal unites New Zealand in a shared mission of kindness, love, and support for women in need.”

If people want to donate a handbag, the organisers suggest the following items to be put in them, “plus any extra you would like to add”:

• Basics: Toothpaste and brush, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant.
• Extras: Wipes/tissues, moisturiser, plasters, soap, hand gel, lip balm, cotton buds, facecloth, torch, hairbrush, sanitary products.
• Luxury: Make-up, perfume, hairbands, hair clips, gloves, scarf, notebook, pen, playing cards, purse, sunglasses, jewellery.