East Auckland Mobilizes for Handbag Appeal Supporting Women in Need

A collection drive for handbags aimed at supporting women in need is underway in East Auckland, New Zealand. The initiative, known as The Love Grace Handbag Appeal, honors the memory of the late British backpacker, Grace Millane, who tragically lost her life while traveling in New Zealand in 2018. This year’s campaign is expected to make a significant impact, continuing its mission to assist women affected by domestic violence.

According to Kylie-Ann Kearney, the national organiser of The Love Grace Appeal, what started as a tribute to Millane has evolved into a vital movement. “It began with Grace Millane and is now helping women across Aotearoa – one handbag at a time,” Kearney stated. The appeal was launched by Millane’s family in the UK to provide handbags filled with essential items for women escaping domestic violence situations.

The collection drive is organized by local volunteers, including Sue Clearwater, the coordinator for the Howick area. Clearwater noted that in 2025, the initiative received an impressive 7489 bags as donations. She highlighted the urgent need for such support, explaining that New Zealand faces one of the highest domestic violence rates globally, with around 71 crisis calls each day and approximately 50,000 women and children referred to refuge services annually.

Donations can be dropped off at four East Auckland locations, including:
– House of Travel, 117 Picton Street, Howick
– Rapt, 21 Garden Lane, Botany Town Centre
– Spirit Hair, 8 Kahawairahi Drive, Beachlands
– The Cafe with No Name, 55 Queens Road, Panmure

When the local newspaper visited one of the drop-off points this week, numerous handbags had already been collected. Kearney emphasized the significance of the handbags, stating they provide “immediate dignity and essentials” to women in need. Many arrive at refuges with nothing but the clothes they are wearing. Each handbag, filled with new toiletries and hygiene items, offers crucial support.

The appeal runs annually from February 14 to March 8, coinciding with Valentine’s Day and International Women’s Day. During this period, individuals across the country are encouraged to donate handbags filled with essential items that are subsequently distributed to Women’s Refuges nationwide. Kearney noted that over the past four years, more than 15,000 handbags have been gifted to women accessing refuge services.

A member of the Women’s Refuge team expressed the importance of this initiative, stating, “Providing clients a handbag that they get to choose themselves has been a vital step in our safety planning.” Clients often express their gratitude and emotional reactions, with many sharing that they have never owned a handbag before or had the opportunity to choose something for themselves.

Another team member added, “While we focus on ensuring the safety and well-being of our clients, receiving those beautiful bags brings a spark of joy during very tough times. These small acts of kindness mean so much to the women we support, especially when they’re experiencing trauma.”

As The Love Grace Handbag Appeal enters its fifth year in New Zealand, the dedication of local volunteers remains unwavering. They strive to honor Grace Millane’s legacy while providing vital support to women in their communities. This initiative not only supplies essential items but also delivers a powerful message of community care, reminding women that they are valued and supported as they navigate their paths to safety and recovery.