Kinleith Mill Supports 'Love Grace Handbag Appeal'

The team at Kinleith Mill demonstrated commendable support for the "Love Grace Handbag Appeal" by Women’s Refuge, an initiative aimed at collecting new or gently used handbags. These are not merely handbags; they are vessels of hope, large enough to hold a selection of key necessities, thus providing security and dignity to women in need.

Women’s Refuge is New Zealand's largest organisation dedicated to supporting women and children experiencing domestic abuse and family violence. Tragically, many women arrive at the Refuge with nothing. The donated handbags, filled with basic amenities, not only meet immediate physical needs but also offer emotional support, signalling to the recipients that the community stands with them on their journey to healing.

The Love Grace Handbag Appeal was established in honour of Grace Millane, an English backpacker tragically murdered while travelling in New Zealand in December 2018. The appeal was initiated by Grace’s family and friends in the UK, out of Grace’s love of handbags, to help women that have been affected by domestic violence. Appeals have since been run throughout the UK, New Zealand, USA, Canada and Singapore, resulting in thousands of women receiving a Love Grace handbag.

Our proactive HR team at Kinleith Mill partnering with the Maintenance Business Unit initiated a mill-wide campaign to raise awareness and gather donations for the Love Grace Handbag Appeal. Efforts included emailing staff, displaying posters throughout the facility, and setting up collection points with baskets and bags. The response was astounding; both staff and contractors across the site generously contributed, culminating in such a substantial volume of donations that two vehicles were required to transport all the necessary supplies to the local Women’s Refuge branch.

We are immensely proud of our Kinleith Mill team for their dedication and personal contributions to this cause.