1 minute read
Making the effort to help survivors of family violence
A fundraising baton has been passed on to a new set of hands as an Otago law student effort becomes a valued tradition.
Tauira from the Law School have been successfully putting on a series of events in their spare time to raise koha for the Ōtepoti-Dunedin Whānau Refuge for eight years now, raising thousands of dollars for the cause.
Advertisement
This year Julia Newman and Rebecca Bridgeman are heading the project.
Julia is a third year Law tauira, who is also working towards a Bachelor of Commerce and International Business, and Rebecca is a fourth year Law and History tauira.
Julia says that Law students first hear about the fundraising endeavour via email from the faculty, and those who are keen put their hand up to get involved.
“The women before us have really paved the way for the success of the events, and we can’t wait to contribute this year. It’s so cool that the baton is passed on from year to year.
“It’s a lot of hard work, but it is a really tangible way to help the community- and that is important to me.”
The Whānau Refuge website says the crisis line receives a call every six minutes and emphasises that family violence can impact anyone from any demographic- including students.
The charity’s crisis line has been receiving increasing numbers of calls from university students, which brings the topic closer to home, Julia says.
“The more I hear about the work the Whanāu Refuge do, the more it solidifies that what we do is making an impact in our community.”
Last year they made $66,000, and throughout July and August there will be a quiz night on July 26, a designer clothing sale on July 29, a bake sale on August 5, an auction on August 18 and a gig on September 22.
Rebecca says 100% of the proceeds go to Ōtepoti - Dunedin Whānau Refuge (previously known as Te Whare Pounamu Dunedin Women’s Refuge).
“They offer vital services to the community: including safe houses for women and children, education programmes, advocacy, and services for women to escape abusive relationships.
