Love Grace Handbag Appeal: Northlanders aid abuse victims

Grace Millane was murdered in 2018 by her Tinder date. The appeal set up in her name aims to support victims of abuse.

A Northlander who lost someone close to her through violence against women is hoping to bring some light to the lives of others being victimised.

Rhonda Gordon of Kerikeri has this year joined the Love Grace Handbag Appeal as a co-ordinator.

The campaign was launched in the UK following the death of British backpacker Grace Millane, who was murdered by her Tinder date in 2018.

It aims to support and empower victims of abuse by gifting new or gently used handbags.

The handbags are filled with essentials and small luxuries which are then distributed to local refuges.

The Love Grace Handbag Appeal.

Gordon, with Whangārei co-ordinator Cath Cowley, is one of 60 co-ordinators across the country this year.

She said a combination of Grace’s story and her own experiences prompted her involvement.

“I’ve had a very close personal experience through somebody that I was close to who lost her life to violence by a male,” she said.

Over time, the grief manifested into a sensitivity around violence against women, she said.

“When Grace’s story first hit the news, it really did bring up some trauma and memories.”

“I’ll be 62 in April and I had thought about joining the police but I’m like, ‘No, I’ve missed the window’.”

She instead got involved in the appeal this year, contacting local businesses to set up drop-off points throughout the Far North in Paihia, Kerikeri and Kaikohe.

Grace Millane was murdered in 2018 by her Tinder date. The appeal set up in her name aims to support victims of abuse.

“I’ve reached out to the Mid-North women’s refuge, and they’re absolutely stoked.”

Cowley believed the appeal makes a difference.

“For some women, it might be the first time in a very long time they have experienced kindness, and knowing that it comes from [predominantly] other women who care, I think that’s empowering; helps remind them they have worth.”

Cowley started by donating bags to the appeal but last year got involved as a co-ordinator.

She has organised drop-off locations in both Whangārei and Dargaville.

The Love Grace Handbag Appeal will run from Friday until International Women’s Day on March 8.

Donated handbags should be new or gently used.

The listed addresses for drop-offs will be released on February 11 via the Love Grace Facebook page.

Brodie Stone covers crime and emergency for the Northern Advocate. She has spent most of her life in Whangārei and is passionate about delving into issues that matter to Northlanders and beyond.