Hollie Smith launches the 2016 White Ribbon Campaign

White Ribbon is pleased to announce that cherished iconic New Zealand soul songstress Hollie Smith, today launches the 2016 White Ribbon Campaign by releasing ‘Please’, a song she has written in support of this years campaign.

Despite 2016 being an incredibly busy year, releasing latest album Water Or Gold, touring Australasia and nominations for Album Of The Year and Best Female Solo Artist at this Novembers VNZMA’s, the multi-award winning musician wasted no time in signing up to add her voice to the White Ribbon campaign.

Hollie has always maintained a highly respected reputation of creating music with the utmost integrity and passion and it was with these qualities in hand that she wrote ‘Please’. By generously giving her talents and time to writing and recording this song, specifically for White Ribbon, Hollie advocates her belief and support for this worthy cause.

Hollie Smith says “I am humbled to be involved in this year’s White Ribbon campaign and hope that the song and imagery we have created can in some small way, contribute and raise awareness to an issue that New Zealand urgently needs to address and prioritise”.

“I hope that the lyrics help to inspire, encourage strength, and provide support for those people who are in situations they feel are beyond their control, whether that’s the victim of violence or the person who knows no other alternative”, says Hollie.

Click here to watch 'PLEASE'

Available for purchase from the iTunes store: Hollie Smith - 'Please'

All Artist Proceeds will be donated to the White Ribbon Trust to help end men’s violence towards women.

You can find the lyrics to ‘Please’ at the end of this press release.

The annual White Ribbon Day is Friday 25th November. Following the success of the 2015 campaign, the focus of the 2016 November campaign is ‘Respectful Relationships’. Understanding that by saying
Yes to Respect, and building on the awareness that a respectful relationship requires equality, communication and consent, is a powerful step towards stopping violence towards women.

“Most men treat women with respect,” says White Ribbon Ambassador Mark Longley, “but the biggest cause of violence is the belief that men have more rights and power than women. This campaign asks men to challenge those ideas and treat women how they would like to be treated, and let go of the feeling that we have to be in charge.”

The campaign also focuses on ‘male behaviour during conflict’ and demonstrates that communicating is key to a good relationship. “Conflict happens,” says Mr Longley, “but dealing with it respectfully makes all the difference.”

“We want to make the information on respect as accessible as possible, so we’ve also created a ‘Toolbox’ which contains practical tips on how to treat women equally, communicate respectfully and have a respectful sexual relationship. We see this work as a protection against violence, and we’re asking men to download the ‘Toolbox’ and then take The White Ribbon Pledge,” says Mr Longley.

Show your support for White Ribbon Day on Friday 25th November 2016.

Check out the campaign at www.whiteribbon.org.nz to see what events are happening in your part of New Zealand throughout November, and download your Toolbox now.

‘PLEASE’ by Hollie Smith

We all fighting a battle that no one else can see
We all have our own reason, excuses we can't release
We all need a haven, when all there is, is rain
We all need forgiveness to have our slates wiped clean

I wish I that I could tell you
I wish that you could hear
Oh I’m never gonna hurt you, always gonna be here
Never gonna turn my back
I wish that you could listen
Cause I know that you are strong
Oh I’m never gonna hurt you, always gonna be here
Know that you are not alone. Please

Only hold the burden, inherit all the shame
Refusing there’s a saviour, can’t let go of the blame
If the cycles keep on turning, you need to break free the chains
The scars may never leave you but there’s a spirit to reclaim

I wish I that I could tell you
I wish that you could hear
Oh I’m never gonna hurt you, always gonna be here
Never gonna turn my back
I wish that you could listen
Cause I know that you are strong
Oh I’m never gonna hurt you, always gonna be here
Know that you are not alone. Please

Where we don’t, cast any stone
No longer, know you’re alone
Holding feet to the fire, don’t walk this alone
You can change your fate

www.whiteribbon.org.nz

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