Casino night helps refuge keep heat

Tauranga Zonta member Claire Hancock and Tauranga Women's Refuge manager Angela Warren-Clark are gearing up for a night of blackjack to raise money for four solar panels. Photo / Ruth Keber

Top hats, feather boas and cigar holders will be plentiful at a fundraiser on Saturday to raise money for solar panels for Women's Refuge.

The monthly power bills of the Tauranga branch of Women's Refuge have been at least $1000 for the past three months.

Four solar panels will be installed to save power at their safe house for women and their children requiring safety and support as a result of domestic violence.

International women's group Zonta is putting on an evening of blackjack, roulette and pontoon to help raise the money they need to do it.

Tauranga Women's Refuge manager Angela Warren-Clark said last month's bill was $1165.

"This solar panel project is going to save us 35 per cent of our power bill each month."

The four discounted solar panels from Nova Energy have been quoted at $6900, which includes retro fitting and a new hot water cylinder.

Mrs Warren-Clark said the refuge had received funding from Hugh Green Foundation and Balance but $3000 was still needed for the project when Zonta put their hands up for the 1920s fundraiser.

"With Zonta giving us this support, it will be a sustainable gift for us. Year after year, we are going to get value."

Steps had already been taken to help save power within the organisation, with insulation and curtains to help retain warmth, Mrs Warren-Clark said.

She had to raise $10,000 a month to keep the organisation going.

Zonta member Claire Hancock said the organisation always supported campaigns and organisations that worked to reduce violence against women and girls.

"This one is great because we are not just giving food or tangible things, we are helping them to help themselves with the solar. It's going to cut costs and means more money to help more women."

Mrs Hancock said the group was hoping to raise $1500 through the event.

"Everything from the night will go to the refuge."