At the beginning of Term 3 the two Year 12 Health classes had the opportunity to take part in the one day ‘Loves Me Not’ programme. After completing this seminar, our Year 12 students decided to collect bags and items to donate to the Battered Women’s Refuge.

This was the second time CGHS Year 12 students had done this collection and donation, aiming this year to increase donations even more.

Year 12 students across the entire school were asked to donate any ‘previously loved and surplus to requirement’ handbags, sponge bags, tote bags, or any other small bag they were able to. The result of this was a large bin of donated bags not only from Year 12 students but also students across other year levels who had been made aware of the donations, alongside a large donation contribution from staff. In addition to this, all year levels and staff were asked to donate any available toiletries and accessories. Some such donations included toothpaste and toothbrushes, shampoo and conditioner, body lotion, sanitary products, makeup, etc. These were placed inside the bags and given to women forced to leave their homes suddenly. 

On the 28th of August, Courtney Comley and Amelia Plimmer, accompanied by one of the Year 12 Health teachers, Ms Otway, delivered these 30+ bags to the Battered Women’s Refuge in Burnside. These bags will be given to women when they arrive in their new accommodation, the staff at the centre made it clear the donations will be greatly appreciated by these women. Women such as these are in a vulnerable position so knowing people care about them is invaluable.

Not only can the Year 12 Health students be proud of their efforts, but the entire Christchurch Girls’ High School / Te Kura o Hine Waiora community can be proud to be involved in such acts of generosity. The Battered Women's Refuge sends a tremendous thanks to all those within our community - parents, staff, and students - who showed an enormous amount of charitability during the entire process.