Central Otago residents backed the Love Grace Handbag Appeal in 2025, ensuring women escaping domestic violence do not go without basic essentials.

This year Central residents donated 117 bags, a 28.5 per cent increase on the 91 bags donated in 2024. The bags go to women in need via Women’s Refuge across New Zealand.

Central Otago District Council (CODC) library team leader Moniza (Mo) Fenton said they were touched by the generosity of the community and are grateful for their support.

“The displays at our drop-off points turned heads, with lots of people curious to hear more about the Love Grace Appeal and keen to support the good cause. People of all ages seemed to be moved by it, including men,’’ she said.

“The drop off point quickly extended from one table to two, with bags overspilling onto the floor area soon after. The collection of bags certainly raised awareness for the appeal and was a good conversation starter.”

Mo said Alexandra library staff saw school children asking their parents about collection of bags, learning about the cause and then insisting they go to the supermarket straight away as it would be nice to buy the essentials to fill a bag that they could give.  

Each donated handbag is adorned with a white ribbon and a Love Grace bag tag before it goes to a recipient via Women’s Refuge. PHOTO: Love Grace Handbag Appeal Facebook

“We also witnessed teenagers discovering the table full of bags whilst on a quick visit to the library, they left and came back the same day with bags full of goodies.”

This year there were 102 collection points across the country, up from 29 in 2024.

For the second time Central Otago’s public libraries in Cromwell, Roxburgh, Alexandra and Maniototo were drop off points for bags filled with items, during the three week appeal.

The Love Grace Handbag Appeal was launched in memory of Grace Millane, who was killed in an Auckland hotel room in 2018 by her Tinder date Jesse Kempson.

A documentary titled ‘The Lie’, directed by British film-maker Helena Coan detailed the high-profile case and called for consensual rough-sex defence to be banned. Following it’s release in New Zealand cinemas in April 2024 it was widely streamed by Kiwis late last year. 

Read more: Love Grace Appeal returns to Central

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