Auction items sought

The organiser of the inaugural ‘Awards & Gala for Women’s Refuge Services’ is on the hunt for more auction items to help fund a safe house in Queenstown.

Julia Strelou says the aim of next month’s event is to raise awareness about a lack of such a facility in the resort, and raise funds to provide one — all money raised from the auction will be split between Central Lakes Family Services (CLFS) and Women’s Refuge Otago.

There’ve already been donations from a variety of local businesses, ranging from accommodation, adventure and golf packages, to spa treatments, wine, and hospitality vouchers.

Other auction items include a piece by Queenstown artist Ira Mitchell, ‘Aoraki’, valued at $2500, two sculptures, ‘Divorce Tree’ and ‘Family Tree’, by Scott Holloway, made from steel and enamel paint, and a rare Millbrook tee flag, signed by Millbrook Classic golfers, female pro
Momoka Kobori, Ryan Fox, tournament winner Josh Geary, NZPGA champion Tae Koh, Ben Campbell and Luke Toomey.

Statistics show one in three New Zealand women have suffered domestic violence, and it’s estimated 70% of all family violence incidents aren’t reported to police, who already attend, on average, one episode of family harm every four minutes across NZ.

Strelou: ‘‘As a survivor of domestic abuse, I know that sometimes you feel ashamed to ask for help.

‘‘If there are women in Queenstown experiencing domestic violence, and they see the community coming together to support the cause, it will show them that they’re not alone.

‘‘It will show them that we care and we are there for them.’’

In addition to the auction, the event will also double as the Inspirational Women 2022 Awards, celebrating women from all over the lower South who are bringing positive change to their respective communities.

Along with the Inspirational Woman award, entrepreneurship, community recognition and resilience awards will also be presented.

To donate auction items for the November 19 gala, being held at Skyline, or purchase tickets for the event, which includes a three-course meal and drinks package, visit bit.ly/3M7kALt

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