Handbag Initiative Honors Murdered Backpacker

An initiative is calling for donations of handbags filled with toiletries to support women escaping domestic abuse, honoring the memory of a backpacker who was murdered. This initiative, named the Love Grace x handbag appeal, is being introduced throughout Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole, located in Dorset. Grace Millane’s family established the appeal; she was strangled during her travels in New Zealand in 2018. These donated bags will be distributed to women’s refuges and hospitals within the region, targeting individuals who lack personal belongings and cannot go back to their homes. The program seeks handbags that are either new or gently used, with a minimum size of 30cm (12in). Donors can include essential items such as shampoo, conditioner, and toothbrushes inside the bags. Additional contributions like lip balm, hairbrushes, tissues, plasters, wipes, perfume, sunglasses, make-up, and jewellery are also welcome. Both handbags and toiletries can be donated individually, or items may be acquired directly from a provided wishlist. Hannah O’Callaghan, Ms Millane’s cousin, manages this initiative and is assisting with its launch throughout east Dorset. According to O’Callaghan, Ms Millane had a fondness for handbags, making this a suitable way to honor her memory. She further stated, “The handbags are made up of essentials and some luxuries to remind the women that there are people out there who care about them, and that they do matter.” Starting from 6 December, donations can be delivered to designated drop-off locations at Poole Old Town Family Hub, Christchurch Library, or Kinson Community Centre in Bournemouth. The community safety partnership of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council is supervising this project. Kieron Wilson, who serves as BCP Council’s lead for housing and regulatory services, noted that this area is the first in the south of England to establish such drop-off points. He elaborated, “Sometimes if [women] have to flee or they are in crisis they will not have much and these bags will provide them with the essentials they need.” Prohibited donations include items such as sanitary products, sharps, alcohol, money, and food. You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.