Paint the town purple for Women’s Refuge

Rodney Women’s Refuge is inviting the community to Paint the Town Purple this July as a “bold, visible show of support” for women and children affected by family violence.

The campaign was created in Timaru last year and is now expanding to Rodney, with the organisation hoping businesses, schools, community groups and residents will embrace purple throughout the month.

Community Engagement spokesperson for Rodney Women’s Refuge, Claudia Lindberg, says it’s’ a quick and easy way to get involved.

“You don’t need a big budget or a big team to make an impact.”

Their long-term dream is to see landmarks such as the Sky Tower lit up purple in support of the cause.

Businesses can support the campaign in several ways, Lindberg says, including allowing staff to volunteer community hours for street appeals, helping collect donations and raise awareness.

Schools could hold purple mufti days, where students wear purple and gold and bring a gold coin donation. It is also an easy way to involve young people, encourage conversations and build community support, Lindberg says.

They hope the local board will support the campaign through promotion, community events or lighting up buildings in purple.

Businesses can also join in by creating purple-themed window displays throughout July, Lindberg says, while libraries can set up displays featuring books, posters, information and support resources.

Lindberg says purple represents dignity, courage, and hope. When our town turns purple, it sends a clear message: “You are not alone. We see you. We believe you.”

To volunteer or support the campaign, email claudia@refuge.co.nz

If you need support, call 0800 733 843 (option 1, then 2, then 3).