PRESS RELEASE - Early Launch for White Ribbon Campaign
Oct 28
More than 300 people attended the White Ribbon Awards Dinner tonight in Auckland.
White Ribbon Ambassador George Ngatai said that this was the start of a month long campaign for White Ribbon which holds
its international day every year on 25 November 2017.
George said that White Ribbon aims to end men’s violence towards women by encouraging men to lead by example and talk to
other men. Together we can make a difference and this year we have a new focus on ensuring our dads have the skills and
confidence to talk to their son’s about respectful relationships.
This years campaign is called Raise our Boys.
Tonight’s award evening gave us the opportunity to acknowledge all those who work hard in the community. There are three
categories which we received over 20 nominations for which included:
Individuals who contribute to creating a Safer Community
Individuals who make improvements in their organisations and
Groups or organisations who contribute to Safer Communities.
Three Labour MPs attended the event including Poto Williams a former Manager of WAVES a domestic violence centre based
in Henderson and District Commander for Counties Manukau Superintendant Jill Rogers and former Heavy Weight Champion
David Tua.
Raewyn BHANA the Manager of Safer Aotearoa Family Violence Prevention Network and the Whanau Ora Community Clinic
Medical Centre said that this was the 5th year for the White Ribbon dinner and every years it gets bigger and better.
While the numbers of the first event was 72 we have come a long way to raising the awareness in our communities about
domestic violence. Tonight we have over 300 people attending.
Marisa Picot one of the The White Ribbon riders said they really enjoyed the evening and was humbled by the collection
made on the night to contribute to their riders. More than $700 was collected from those who attended the dinner and
awards.
The last event for White Ribbon is on Saturday 25 November 2017 where a “We stand because we Care” March up Queens
street to Meyers Park at 10am. All White Ribbon bike riders available and other bikies are converging on Queens Street
to support this stand.
END