Women’s Refuge wants female MPs to help ‘redress’ wrongs
Women’s Refuge is calling on all female MPs and partners of male MPs to donate their unwanted and loved clothes to
support a recycled designer clothing boutique opening in Auckland this week.
“We are opening a unique and classy shop with high end labels, treasured shoes and accessories that have been donated to
us from many sectors of society,” says Women’s Refuge Chief Executive Heather Henare. “This is a first step for us in
creating ways to gain sustainable income to help fund our work and to create pathways to prevent further revictimisation
of women and children in the future.”
Ms Henare says female MPs in particular can help Women’s Refuge stock the Yellow Belle boutique situated at 112
Hurstmere Rd in Takapuna, Auckland by donating any treasured clothes and shoes that they may not have worn for years.
“Many women have items stuck away at the back of the wardrobe representing special memories or events but we no longer
wear them. By recycling these items it helps women who leave domestic violence rejuvenate their lives in positive ways.”
Yellow Belle Takapuna is the first boutique in what will be a chain of stores throughout New Zealand, the next is likely
to open in the lower North Island. “A challenge from our government is for charities to find innovative ways to fund the
work we do, well this is our innovation,” says Ms Henare.
Women’s Refuge has Corporate Collection Boxes that it wants to leave at business places. Information about displaying a
box, or donating special clothing and accessories can be made by emailing info@refuge.org.nz
A limited edition dress designed by Trelise Cooper and made with fabric donated by the Fabric Store will also be sold to
acknowledge the launch of Yellow Belle.
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