The Warehouse and Women’s Refuge launch ‘Elves on Shelves’

Media release
1 December 2015

The Warehouse and Women’s Refuge launch ‘Elves on Shelves’ to support women and children affected by domestic violence

The Warehouse is seeking kiwi ‘elves’ in its shelves this Christmas, to donate much needed gifts to women and children affected by violence over the holiday period.

The campaign launches in all 92 The Warehouse stores from today, with shoppers able to donate items of their choice, such as canned goods, toys and clothing items via a collection point in-store.

Paul Walsh, Executive GM for Community & Environment at The Warehouse says:

“We have a partnership with Women’s Refuge to bring about change to the thousands of women and children helped by this organisation every year.

“People who visit our stores often want to do something special for others at Christmas time. In partnering with Women’s Refuge we hope any little act of giving will help women and children who are escaping violence over the holiday period know that others are thinking of them.”

Women’s Refuge Chief Executive Dr Ang Jury says it is routine for women who are fleeing from violent relationships around Christmas to leave with nothing, which included “the presents under the Christmas Tree.”

“We estimate that up to 2000 women and children will need special care, emergency assistance and advocacy for things like protection and custody orders, emergency housing, health care and safety plans over one month of the holiday season.”

“Aside from that, we are likely to receive nearly 7000 calls for help on our free phone 0800 REFUGE line during the same period.”

She adds that The Warehouse stores will be collecting all gifts donated by the community, no matter where they are purchased.

“We ask that the gifts are unwrapped and the things that would be most useful are non-perishable food items such as well packaged Christmas treats such as tins of biscuits, as well as clothes for boys and girls, teenage gifts and pamper gifts for mums.”

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

About Women’s Refuge
TBC

About The Warehouse’s commitment to communities

The Warehouse’s support of New Zealand communities is one of its key strategic commitments. In more than 30 years of operation, through the generosity of its customers, suppliers and team members The Warehouse has contributed more than $40 million to charities and communities throughout New Zealand.

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