Elves on Shelves to bring Christmas cheer to Women’s Refuge

‘Elves on Shelves’ to bring Christmas cheer to Women’s Refuge

The Warehouse has partnered with Women’s Refuge to bring some Christmas cheer to women and children around New Zealand who seek help over the holiday season, by facilitating a nationwide gifting campaign called Elves on Shelves.

The initiative runs between 1 – 19 December, whereby Kiwis can drop off gifts at any of the 92 The Warehouse stores nationwide to be donated to Women’s Refuge for distribution among at risk women and children who seek shelter from domestic violence.

After first introducing Elves on Shelves to selected stores last year, Paul Walsh, The Warehouse Executive GM of Community and Environment, is excited that this year the campaign will be available in all stores nationwide.

“Community is at the core of The Warehouse’s values and Women’s Refuge is an organisation that helps families all over New Zealand. The Warehouse stores will be welcoming any unwrapped gifts regardless of where they are purchased,” said Mr Walsh.

Heather Henare, Chief Executive of Women’s Refuge says: “The festive season provides a variety of challenges for households. Money stresses coupled with families spending more time together while juggling the increasing pressure of Christmas festivities contributes to an increase in the prevalence of violence.

“Partnering with The Warehouse is a way we can shed some light on the families that are going through tough times this season. We can make sure that donated gifts go to families who need help and are often left with nothing at Christmas.”

To boost the Elves on Shelves campaign, The Warehouse is supporting Women’s Refuge with a $16,100 gift card donation, following an initiave that ran on Facebook, encouraging fans to vote for their favourite Christmas shopping list.

The Facebook page detailed gift lists collated from some of the children, aged between three and 10 who feature in the latest The Warehouse Christmas television commercial. Facebook fans were able to vote for their favourite Christmas wish list, with the value of the winning list ($350) being donated to each of the 46 Women’s Refuges around the country in the form of a gift card.

Ms Henare says: “These gift cards are a wonderful way to start the Elves on Shelves campaign because it means we will be able to buy necessities and Christmas gifts for children and women who seek refuge with us over the festive season.”

ENDS

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