Women's Refuge gets additional donations for Xmas

Women's Refuge boosted with additional donations in time for Christmas

The National Collective of Independent Women's Refuges has received a handy donation of $2500 worth of homeware products just in time for Christmas.

The merchandise, including plates, cutlery and other household necessities, was donated by giftware and homeware company Stevens Bros Ltd.

Hon Lianne Dalziel, Minister of Women's Affairs, was in Auckland on Monday to help present Heather Henare, National Manager of the Women's Refuge with the large pallet of goods.

According to Ms Henare, this generous donation couldn't come at a better time.

"This time of year is often very difficult for many women and their families with the financial pressures of Christmas and the holiday season," says Ms Henare.

"Often women flee from violent homes with few belongings for themselves and their children, so the goods donated by Stevens will be distributed among the refuges throughout the country."

Ms Dalziel says Women's Refuge plays a hugely important role in ensuring women and their children have a safe haven, away from family violence and abuse.

"Women's Refuges often experience real pressure on their services particularly at Christmas. This donation represents a generous contribution to easing that pressure, as well as a real commitment to helping New Zealand families and for this, I commend Stevens" Ms Dalziel says.

The Women's Refuge provides 24-hour access to a safe house, counselling, support with financial and legal matters, childcare programmes and information and education around their right to live free from violence.

Stevens Chief Executive Vikki Brannagan says Stevens is proud to be a part of this initiative.

"Helping Women's Refuge is something Stevens is very passionate about. Our customers have been very supportive of this initiative, and we hope that these products will assist Women's Refuge in furthering the great work they already do throughout the country."

The Minister and Ms Brannagan presented the pallet of products to Ms Henare at Stevens' headquarters in Wiri, Auckland on Monday.

ENDS

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