The BNZ branch on Ardmore Street is the Wanaka drop-off point for locals wanting to donate handbags filled with toiletries, essentials and luxuries to go to Women’s Refuge as part of the ‘Love Grace’ campaign established in recognition of murder victim Grace Millane.

‘Love Grace’ was set up in the UK by Grace’s family, combining her love of handbags with a legacy carried out in her name to end violence towards women. The ‘Love Grace’ handbag appeal asks for donations of handbags filled with new toiletries, luxury items and other essentials that will help women in need.

BNZ Wanaka will send the donation-filled handbag to MediaWorks’ show The Project, which is coordinating the New Zealand arm of the appeal. The Project is working with Women's Refuge to make sure the bags end up in the hands of New Zealand women who need them most.

The New Zealand ‘Love Grace’ appeal runs until Friday March 6.

To get involved:

1. Find a nice, clean handbag about 30cm in size (new or as-new).
2. Fill it with basic necessities and a couple of extra/luxury items from the below lists.
3. Optional: Take a photo of your handbag and post it on Instagram with the hashtag #LoveGraceNZ to encourage others to join in.
4. Drop the handbag off at the Wanaka BNZ branch on Ardmore Street. 

The suggested basic items are a toothpaste and toothbrush, shower gel, shampoo and conditioner, deodorant and sanitary products.

The extras people may like to put in the handbag include tissues or wipes, plasters, soap, hand sanitiser, moisturiser, lip balm, cotton buds, face cloth, torch, hair brush or comb, or face wash.

Items that offer the recipient a few nice touches of luxury include make-up, hair ties and clips, playing cards, purse, sunglasses, costume jewellery, nail file, chocolate, sunscreen, face mask or loofah/sponge.

On February 25, Newshub reported that hundreds of handbags had already been donated as part of the appeal.

“It's so incredible,” The Project co-host Jesse Mulligan said. “It's not like you’re donating $5, every one of these bags is being filled up with essentials, a few luxuries and a whole lot of love.”

More information, including how to make a monetary donation to the cause, is available here.

PHOTO: Wanaka App