Media Release 10 June 2009

Desperately Seeking New And Pre-Loved Handbags To Help Auckland Charity

Thinking of throwing out last season’s handbag in favour of the latest winter fashions? Why not recycle for a great cause.

LynnMall Shopping Centre and Botany Town Centre are calling on Auckland women to dig deep into their wardrobes and donate desperately needed handbags to help boost Auckland charity Dress for Success’ diminishing stocks.

The charity currently has just 30 remaining handbags – a fraction of what is needed to cater for the 125 women Dress for Success dresses each month. They need women around the city to donate new or pre-loved but well-presented handbags that would add the finishing touch to an interview outfit.

Dress for Success helps women in need to get jobs and keep working by providing clothes, shoes, bags, accessories and advice to boost their self-esteem and independence. It relies on donations of these items in order to provide its services.

Each year around 1,500 women are helped through the Dress for Success programme; each receives a full interview outfit, including the vital handbag. Once they get the job they are able to get a second outfit – both outfits are free and to keep.

Volunteer and programme coordinator for Dress for Success in Auckland Claire Donaldson says with stocks at a record low, any donations will be welcome.

“Handbags are an absolute must to top off an outfit and help give women confidence during a job interview,” she says. “They often hold a pretty special place in a woman’s heart and are difficult items to part with. For women out there having a winter wardrobe cleanup – we can promise to give their handbags a new life and a very good home.”

The charity says basic colours are easiest to match to outfits - black, brown, navy and beige – however, all shapes and colours are welcome.

Bags can be delivered to Dress for Success collection points at LynnMall Shopping Centre, in west Auckland, and Botany Town Centre, in east Auckland, says Botany Centre Manager Jennifer Manning.

“We had an extremely generous public response to our Dress for Success bag and shoe drive late last year, and would love to see a flood of handbags descending on our collection points this time. It’s an incredibly worthy cause, and donors can be assured that their gifts will be treasured by their new owners.”

LynnMall’s drop-off point will be located at the Information Kiosk opposite Muffin Break, and Botany Town Centre’s at the Visitors Centre near Farmers. You can find out more about Dress for Success and collection points at 09 377 2762 or email auckland@dressforsuccess.org.

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