Women's Refuge Charity Chest shop

Sara Owen, Lynda Armstrong and former WHS student Liberty Bracegirdle (middle) are among a number of women who have volunteered to help at the Women’s Refuge Charity Chest shop, which opens this Saturday and will be selling top of the range clothing for the next three weeks.

Sara says, “Women’s Refuge is been close to my heart and I have always wanted to help out. When I saw the amazing Charity Chest shop earlier this year I volunteered for whatever they wanted me to do.” That involves doing all the administration/paper work. With a background in being an independent consultant for Isagenix and also running a carbon brush business with her husband, admin work comes naturally.

Lynda says, “I’m having some time off recovering from cancer and I see volunteering for the shop as an opportunity to get involved with the community by being involved in a really worthy cause. I have three daughters and I’m concerned about the impact of domestic violence on women. I encourage my daughters to be empowered and supportive of other women.”

Liberty is Lynda’s daughter and she has recently been travelling and working with young children in the USA. She is inspired by the fashion industry and one day is interested in owning a vintage thrift store, probably in Melbourne where she lives. After returning to Australia she came on to New Zealand to be part of the Charity Chest group of volunteers.

“When you look good, you feel better,” says Lynda, “and these clothes are bright, attractive and affordable.” Sara adds, “They would cost three times as much elsewhere.” 

After an opening on Friday at 6pm, where sample clothes will be modelled, the Charity Chest shop will open six days a week for three weeks from 10am to 4.30pm and 10am to 3pm on Saturdays. It is at the old Shanton Building on the corner of Victoria Ave and Ridgway Street.

 River City Press 20/9/18