$100k to Women’s Refuge
Three of the Waikato region’s biggest retail chains have teamed up with the goal of raising $100,000 for the Waikato Women’s Refuge.
From November 14 until November 20 Mitre 10, Z Energy and New World independent retailers from across the Waikato District will ask customers to round up their purchases.
All proceeds will go to Waikato Women’s Refuge where funds will be distributed to refuges in Thames, Waitomo, Tokoroa and Hamilton.
Waikato Women’s Refuge chief executive officer Roni Albert said the refuge was ’’incredibly grateful’ to the retail chains for coming on board to help raise funds ahead of its busy period.
‘‘For the vulnerable women and children that we assist, Christmas is not always a happy time and unfortunately, it is the busiest time of year for our crisis staff, ‘‘ she said.
‘‘For instance, this past Labour Day three-day weekend we assisted 86 women and their children who required help following New Zealand Police call-outs related to family violence.’’
‘‘Over the upcoming holiday period unfortunately we are likely to experience similar numbers of women and children requiring our urgent help to keep them safe,’’ she said.
Z Energy station owner Briar Farrah said the refuge was changing lives for the better.