Project provides a little relief for Kiwi women in need

An Auckland charity is raising funds to provide women in refuge with a box of essentials on arrival.

Kia Kaha Box was set up by Rebekah Roberts last year to spread Christmas joy to women in need.

Six months later, Ms Roberts is now gathering donations and goods towards a supply of new gift boxes by the end of June.

The box will contain shampoo, conditioner, soap, a reading book, a journal, an activity book, a piece of jewellery and affirmation cards.

She says her goal is to build up enough donations so that “when a woman arrives at a refuge, she’ll receive a box”.

“I just want to make people smile. Especially when they don’t feel they have a reason to.”

Ms Roberts says she contacts local New Zealand companies for donations, especially small businesses.

“I contact ones I’ve found doing it on their own or at home – just making [products] by themselves. I wanted to guide away from large corporate consumerism.”

Kia Kaha Box has also started a Givealittle page where the public can donate towards the cause.

Support services available:

* 211 Helpline (0800 211 211) – for help finding, and direct transfer to, community-based health and social support services in your area.

* Find your Local Women's Refuge by calling 0800 743 843 (0800 REFUGE) to be linked up with an advocate in your area.