That’s Not My Handbag, Either
You might recall the name Grace Millane, a young woman murdered by a man she met on a dating app, while travelling in New Zealand in 2018. One of the ways Grace’s family honour her memory is working to empower women that have been affected by family violence.
In association with Women’s Refuges, The “Love Grace” appeal collects handbags and fills them with 6 essential items (and optional extras) for women in need.
From an initial target of 50 bags,more than 7,000 Love Grace handbags have distributed across the UK, NZ and Singapore.
This year’s campaign launches 14th February (Valentine’s Day) and runs through to 8th March (International Women’s Day). If you’d like to get involved, here’s what you need to know:
Anyone forced to change their behaviour because they are frightened of their partner or ex-partner’s reaction is experiencing abuse. Domestic abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of age, background, gender, religion, sexuality or ethnicity. Domestic abuse is never the fault of the person who is experiencing it. Domestic abuse is a crime.
The Bag
It doesn’t have to be a brand new bag, AS LONG AS it’s in extraordinarily good condition, and big enough to hold lots of items – roughly 30 cm.
If you’re considering a second-hand hand bag, the rule of thumb is, if you wouldn’t be DELIGHTED to receive it, then that’s not the bag to use.
The bags are symbols of love, support and hope for women starting over after unimaginable hardships.
There’s a reason why the toiletries aren’t delivered in boxes or supermarket bags. Sure, they carry essential items, but the bag itself is a non-essential. It’s a gift. It’s a taonga. So it’s super important that the bag conveys dignity.
There’s a difference between a gently used item, and someone else’s cast-offs. This isn’t the space for “they should be grateful to be given anything at all”.
Don’t be that person.
The Essentials
There are six basic items that form the basis of a Love Grace bag. They MUST be brand new and in their original packaging.
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush
- Shower Gel
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Deoderant
The Extras
- Wipes or tissues
- Moisturiser
- Sunblock
- Plasters
- Soap
- Hand sanitiser
- Lip balm
- Cotton Buds
- Face cloth
- Torch
- Hairbrush
- Sanitary Items
Luxuries
- Hairclips
- Perfume
- Notebook and pen
- Playing cards
- Coin purse/wallet
- Scarf
- Sunglasses
Please do not include
- Sharp items, including manicure sets
- Ibuprofen or Paracetamol
- Shavers
- Money
- Contraceptives
- Food
Drop-off locations will be finalised and posted on the Love Grace NZ Facebook page from 11th February.
