Female staff members and students such as Tupou Fine, Stephanie Bennett and Emma Hanna have donated enough undies to supply a women’s refuge for up to 12 months. The 226 pieces are all size 8-12 because most of the underwear Southlakes Women’s Refuge receives is for middle-aged or elderly women, even though most of its residents are young. “They arrive with nothing, not even the basics, because they’ve often left home in a hurry,” says assistant women’s residence director Mere Neale. The donation came during Women’s Forum, May 2. Giving is part of the experience—staff and students raised $250 for a victim of breast cancer during the forum last year.—Brenton Stacey, public relations officer, Avondale College of Higher Education Credit: Kimberley Hodgkin.
