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Two Warkworth volunteers are hoping that local women will donate and fill handbags with essential items this month to help women escaping domestic abuse and violence.
The Love Grace Handbag Appeal was started in the UK in memory of Grace Millane, the young British backpacker who was murdered in Auckland in 2018. The initiative combines Grace’s love of handbags with help for victims of abuse and the message that violence against women is completely unacceptable.
The initiative has been enthusiastically adopted by Kiwis, culminating in last year’s appeal for 1500 bags resulting in a remarkable 5269 handbags being donated.
ANZ banking consultant Ricky Wrightwebb first got involved with Love Grace when she lived in Taupo and has continued to collect for the appeal since moving to Warkworth three years ago.
This year, she’s volunteered to act as the collection coordinator for the area, and Kowhai Surgery is the main drop-off point, thanks to receptionist and volunteer Rickie Brown.
Giving to Love Grace is straightforward – find or buy a handbag (it can be secondhand, but should be good enough that you’d be happy to keep it for yourself or give it to a friend). Then fill it with six basics – toothpaste, toothbrush, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner and deodorant – plus any number of extras or luxury items listed by Love Grace (see panel).
Once full, drop bags off to Kowhai Surgery, or contact Ricky Wrightwebb if unable to get to Warkworth.
Bags can also be left at Mahurangi Matters’ office at 17 Neville Street.
“I will drive and collect just one bag from anywhere, whatever it takes,” she says.
The bags will be donated to Rodney Women’s Refuge, where they will be given to women escaping violent or abusive situations.
The Love Grace appeal started on Valentine’s Day and will run until March 8 – International Women’s Day.
Info: Email Ricky at rickywrightwebb@gmail.com or Love Grace Handbag Appeal NZ on Facebook
