Changing women’s lives,
one bag at a time.
Because not everyone gets a visit from Santa.
COVID-19
Due to the ongoing COVID situation, we have unfortunately made the decision to put operations on hold for 2021. We CAN'T WAIT to be back, bigger and better - in 2022. Kia Kaha NZ. Stay safe, stay well, and we will see you all again soon!
It's in the bag
Our Story
It’s In The Bag NZ had very innocent beginnings. A single Facebook post to friends asking for a handbag filled with the many necessary items that we might take for granted, that are, in fact, a ‘choice’ for some women, which would be donated to our local women’s refuge.
Through the magic of social media, that post was shared, and shared and (you can see where I’m going with this...)
From small expectations came extraordinary things.
In the three weeks available to us, we collected 300 bags filled to the brim and boxes upon boxes of products that we distributed to over 13 refuges, in three cities in the north island.
Realising we had struck a chord with so many people, we knew that it needed to be done again.
Thus the ‘It’s in the Bag’ community was established.
Fast forward 12 months to Christmas 2018 and things escalated very quickly.
Final results were 916 bags, in 11 regions spanning both the North and South Islands of New Zealand. More than 19 refuges were recipients and an untold amount of our women in need reached.
2019 proved to be a huge year of growth in our army of volunteers with 38 drop off points delivering close to 1200 bags to 28 refuges or organisations in 16 regions from Invercargill to Whangarei.
With BDO Accounting committed to bringing all of their 15 offices on as drop off points in the 2020 collection, we will be, once again, growing.
Download our information flyer here
From small expectations,
came extraordinary things
2416
bags
28
refuges
16
regions
Get involved
We need your help to make a difference in the lives' of other woman who may not be as fortunate. Many work hard to provide for their families - and give what little they can to their own children, but when it comes to the festive season - it's these woman who most often go without.
What we need from you, and within our community - are your old unused hand bags, filled with essentials, and a few 'luxury' items. Let's make each Christmas season a little brighter.
Needs
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Sanitary items
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Shampoo/conditioner
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Toothbrush/toothpaste
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Brush/comb
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Deodorant
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Chapstick
-
Bandaids
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Wet wipes
-
Tweezers/emery board
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Moisturiser Sunscreen
Wants
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Nail polish
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Lipstick/makeup
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Fragrance
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Hair products
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(Anything that you think might be a pick me up)
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Books
-
Jewelry
Drop off points
where to donate your bags
OUR DROP OFF POINTS ARE LOCATED IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS:
Auckland (north, central, east west and south)
Whangarei
Hamilton
Tauranga
Taupo
Rotorua
Hawke’s Bay
New Plymouth
Kapiti Coast
Wellington
Masterton
Martinborough
Picton
Nelson
Blenheim
Renwick
Shirley
Rolleston
Christchurch
Queenstown
Dunedin
Invercargill
Please refer to our Facebook page for the contact details of a drop off point near you!
Collection Dates - STAY TUNED FOR 2022
Monday 9th Nov 2020 - Monday 30th Nov 2020
All bags will be collected from the Drop off points and delivered to refuges later that week.
Not allowed:
Sharp objects (scissors, razors, blades), Food, Alcohol, Drugs (paracetamol etc)
FAQ
Q: Are only new bags accepted?
A: Not at all. As long as the bag is clean and in good working condition (if you’d be happy to use it) it will be great!
Q: Do I have to have everything on the list in the bag?
A: Absolutely not. All donations are gratefully accepted. If you don’t have a bag, pop your donations into a plastic bag and we’ll sort it out from there.
Q: Why is the drop off period so far before Christmas?
A: The women’s refuges have said that they like to get donations in early so they have a better idea of what they have on hand in advance of the busiest period.
Q: Will there be other opportunities to donate?
A: We are fine tuning our operation (still learning...) at the moment and will look to expand once we are sure that it runs smoothly.
