Bloomfield gear raises $140k for Women’s Refuge
Merchandise featuring Dr Ashley Bloomfield has raised $140,000 for Women’s Refuge, stunning those involved.
About 10,000 totes, T-shirts and hoodies – featuring the image of the director-general of health and the slogan ‘‘The Curve Crusher’’ – have been snapped up by customers in New Zealand and overseas.
Those orders closed at the start of alert level 3, with the last of the 7000 individual orders being sent this week, The Print Room co-owner Jon Thom, of Dunedin, said.
‘‘It has been surreal,’’ Thom said.
The image – with the approval of Bloomfield – was designed by Dunedin graphic designer The Bold, and the printed product was the largest-ever merchandise order by the printing company.
The tote bag was the most popular item, with the company also fielding requests to produce coffee cups and tea towels, Thom said.
A family member of Bloomfield’s had also bought several items, he said.
The merchandise campaign helped keep the company’s eight fulltime employees busy, with all profits – $140,000 – going to New Zealand’s Women’s Refuge.
While The Print Room made no money out of the work, ‘‘we would do it again’’, Thom said.
The merchandise resonated with people as it captured the ‘‘spirit of these strange times’’, he said.
Women’s Refuge chief executive Ang Jury said ‘‘we are always grateful to those who fundraise for us, and we are particularly impressed with the creativity behind this initiative’’.
‘‘These funds will go a long way towards rebuilding lives of those affected by family violence.’’