Central District Police staff are among people nationwide supporting women affected by family violence through the ‘Love Grace’ handbag appeal.
The Palmerston North branch of Women’s Refuge recently received a dozen handbags full of goodies thanks to the generosity of local Police and the community.
The ‘Love Grace’ charitable campaign was setup by the family of Grace Millane in her honour after she was murdered while traveling New Zealand in December 2018.
The appeal – which involves donated handbags packed with toiletries and other goodies - combines Grace’s love of handbags with a legacy to end violence towards women.
Over a number of weeks in February, many answered the call for donations - including Sergeant Felicity Cato and Constable Emma Clarke, of Palmerston North, who sit on the governance board for the Palmerston North Women’s Refuge and coordinated the collection for Central District.
“We had many lovely things donated by our staff, and it’s really heart-warming that people have been so thoughtful, caring and generous,” says Felicity. “Thank you to everyone who has donated.
“The handbags are being given out to women as they attend support programs offered by the Palmerston North Women’s Refuge.
“The manager of our local refuge, Zubeda Shariff, is an amazing woman, leading an organisation that does life-changing work for women and their families in need.”
With the support of Frontline Support Officer Chris Walker (Palmerston North) and Area Executive Officer Christine Hogan (Whanganui), Felicity and Emma collected donations which included toiletries, perfume, make-up and hair products - all the little things that someone in need would deeply appreciate.
“We had a few women receive the handbags recently and they were so happy,” Zubeda Shariff. “What stood out was one of the women shared that it was the first time she had received something for her to keep, not for her children or partner but for her.
“After listening to the stories from some women and the trauma, concerns, and beatings they have sustained we are so happy that we have the opportunity to give them something that brings a little light and hope to their situations.
“I want to thank Felicity and the team for their ongoing support.”
The handbag appeal officially ended last month but if you're in our Central District you can still drop off a handbag and goodies at Palmerston North Police Station, 410 Church Street (C/O Sergeant Felicity Cato) or the Palmerston North Women’s Refuge Office, at 597 Main Street - see below for a list of useful items to donate.
Otherwise, if you would like to support Women’s Refuge, go to the organisation's website at https://womensrefuge.org.nz/ for details of how you can help.
Donations can include:
- Basics: toothpaste, toothbrush, shower gel, shampoo and conditioner, deodorant.
- Extras: sanitary products, wipes, tissues, plasters, soap, hand cream, lip balm, cotton buds, face cloth, hair brush.
- Luxury: make-up, perfume, hairbands/clips, notebook, pen, playing cards, purse/wallet, sunglasses, costume jewellery.
- PLEASE NO: sharp items, medication, razors, alcohol, money, food, opened or damaged products.