People and churches across the Diocese can continue to support the Bishop’s Christmas Appeal until 31 January.
Bishop Helen-Ann launched her latest appeal in early December, in support of Love Grace – Handbag Appeal, which was set up in memory of Grace Millane, a British backpacker who was tragically murdered while travelling in New Zealand in 2018, aged just 22.
Grace (pictured above) was known for her love of handbags and now, handbags are being collected and filled with useful items for women in need.
Our churches were encouraged to start their own collections, for people to bring handbags and / or items such as toiletries to go inside them.
Individuals and churches can make donations until 31 January at one of four different collection points – Swalwell Cricket Club, Artichoke in Tynemouth, Activate Physio in Tynemouth, or Holy Saviour, Tynemouth, where Grace’s cousin Elizabeth Lee worships.
Hannah O’Callaghan, of the Love Grace Team said: “Thank you so much to everyone who has donated to the Love Grace handbag appeal. We couldn’t do it without the kindness and support of the parishioners and can’t thank Bishop Helen-Ann enough for making Love Grace her Christmas appeal. We are so pleased that the bags collected will go to women in the local community.”
All donations will be taken to Holy Saviour, Tynemouth, on 2 February, and will be counted to give a grand total of bags collected.
Hannah added: “Unwanted Christmas gift sets would be gratefully received. In addition, if there are any people who like to sew, knit or crochet scarves, hats, scrunchies, make-up bags and totes to pop inside the handbags – they would also be hugely appreciated.”
Among the churches which supported the appeal was St Mary’s, Monkseaton. Pictured are the items generously donated by the congregation for this very worthy cause. There was also a substantial collection from St Peter’s, Falstone, thanks to the generosity of the rural church’s congregation.
For more information and to see what items you can donate, click here.
Since the appeal’s inception, more than 23,000 women in the UK, New Zealand, USA, Canada and Singapore have received a Love Grace handbag.
Pictured above: At Holy Saviour, Tynemouth, Diane Bayley receives collection bags from Marie Ness of Falstone.
Pictured right: The collection at St Mary’s, Monkseaton.