Grace Millanes’ name is known in most households around New Zealand. In 2018, she was tragically taken whilst on a Tinder date when visiting Aotearoa and this story has stuck with us even today. But Grace’s memory now lives on in a remarkable way through the Love Grace Handbag Appeal, an initiative that combines Grace’s love for handbags with a mission to help women escaping domestic violence.
Every year between Valentine’s Day (14th Feb) and International Women’s Day (8th March), 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.
In Kāpiti there are two collection points: The Copperfield Collective on Seaview Rd, Paraparaumu Beach, and Melissa and Leon are offering a collection point at their Black & Co Quality Leather store at 211 Main Highway, Ōtaki.
Last year, the appeal set a target of 1,500 handbags, and New Zealanders responded with extraordinary generosity, contributing an incredible 5,269 bags which were donated to local Women’s Refuges around New Zealand. This overwhelming response sends a powerful message: as a nation, Aotearoa stands united against male violence toward women, declaring it’s not ok.
The impact of these handbags goes far beyond their contents. Survivors who receive them often express how much these special gifts mean to them:
The appeal is run 100% by volunteers and requires a huge community effort. This year, 60 lovely people have put their hand up to coordinate the appeal in their town/city and 94 local businesses have agreed to be drop-off points for people to donate. It’s a testament to the growing momentum behind this movement and the spirit of generosity that defines Kiwis.
Kamni Raju-Russell from the Copperfield Collective is co-ordinating the Appeal again here and says last year the appeal was really well received.
“This is such an appropriate time to be helping women in need as the Appeal runs from Valentine’s Day (Feb 14) to International Women’s Day (March 8),” says Kamni.
“The handbags and contents will be delivered to the Kāpiti Women’s Centre and they will be distributed to women in need.”
Asked why she is running the local appeal Kamni says “I’m doing it because I can. I have personally experienced violence decades ago but it can stay with you and back then there weren’t the support agencies we have now.
“This is about breaking the cycle of violence against women and we are only too happy to help.”
When you donate a Love Grace handbag, it goes directly to the nearest women’s refuge so you are supporting the women in your community. 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 are a message of love, a boost of confidence, and a reason to smile when they need it most.
Copperfield Collective: www.facebook.com/CopperfieldCollective
Black & Co Quality Leather: www.qualityleathernz.com
