Trendy fundraiser for Women’s Refuge
For childhood friends Shona Smith and Suzanne Wallworth the saying ‘‘shop till you drop’’ has taken on a whole other meaning.
Smith enlisted the help of her former schoolmate to co-organise the Taranaki Women’s Refuge Pop-Up Shop in July.
The duo are currently collecting pre-loved quality clothing and accessories for the temporary outlet set to open its doors during the organisations annual national awareness and appeal month in July.
‘‘We get to work together on a project we both enjoy and feel passionate about.’’ Shona Smith
They had no idea sorting through boxes and bags of stock could be so much fun.
‘‘It’s like getting together to play shops with beautiful clothing, but with the bonus of making a real difference,’’ said the refuge’s relationships manager Smith.
To date, the donated stock for the good cause has been amazing, but the more clothes the better, they said. Money raised would go to benefiting the region’s women and children.
Each year, an average of 14 women and 10 children were killed in New Zealand by a family member, and more than 3500 convictions were recorded against men for assaults on women, Smith said.
‘‘We get to work together on a project we both enjoy and feel passionate about – helping women and children in our local community,’’ Smith said.
While working on this project together Wallworth’s hidden talent came out of the closet too.
Her designer eyes - meaning her ability to recognise designer clothing, proved invaluable when she spied a stylish collection of Trelise Cooper garments. ‘‘She can spot quality and label clothing when she sees it,’’ Smith said. At times it’s been like Christmas opening a bag discovering treasures, Wallworth said.
‘‘Shoppers who might not usually be in a position to buy designer items or those who just love a great bargain will benefit from the huge range and quality of the items for sale,’’ Smith said. All good quality donated clothing can be dropped into level two of the Kings Building 9am -3pm weekdays, or Artistic Expressions. Call 06 7695553, or email relationships@taranakiwomensrefuge.co.nz to make arrangments.