Hawke's Bay Women's Refuges seek donations for underwear and bras

Hawke's Bay Women's Refuges are urgently seeking community donations to buy new underwear and bras for women arriving at their safe houses, as comfortable fitting undergarments remain a critical need. The appeal is part of a fundraising initiative tied to Family VIP Services' annual Gala Dinner and Charity Auction on September 19, where guests can contribute money for staff to purchase new items in various sizes, since food, toiletries, and clothing are already covered by community donations. The effort follows recent regional research showing 66% of surveyed Hawke's Bay residents had experienced family violence or knew someone close who had, with last year's event raising over $60,000.