British traveler Grace Millane's name is known in households around New Zealand after her tragic murder while on a Tinder date in Auckland in 2018.
But Grace’s memory now lives on in a remarkable way through the Love Grace Handbag Appeal, an initiative combining Grace’s love for handbags with a mission to help women escaping domestic violence.
Every year between Valentine’s Day and International Women’s Day, thousands of Kiwis assemble and donate handbags filled with essential items to help women passing through Women’s Refuges.
These bags, more than just practical gifts, are symbols of love, empowerment, and support for women starting over after unimaginable hardships.
Maggie Tweedie speaks to the NZ Love Grace Handbag Appeal organiser Kylie-Ann Kearney.
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Where to get help - family violence
- Women's Refuge:(0800 733 843
- It's Not OK 0800 456 450
- Shine: 0508 744 633
- Victim Support: 0800 842 846
- HELP Call 24/7 (Auckland): 09 623 1700, (Wellington): 04 801 6655 - push 0 at the menu
- The National Network of Family Violence Services NZ has information on specialist family violence agencies.
