We think of Christmas as a time for giving and receiving gifts. However, for many, the festive season is no different than any other period of the year. Many work hard to provide for their families and give what little they can to their own children – it’s these women that often go without. That’s why BDO Taranaki has partnered with the ‘It’s in the Bag’ NZ charity campaign to help make a difference in the lives of other women and bring a little sunshine, one bag at a time.
What is this campaign and why is supporting charities and not-for-profits so important to BDO?
What is 'It’s in the Bag'?
This campaign started two years ago with a simple thought to spread some joy at Christmas time. Michelle Barnes of It’s in the Bag NZ asked friends and family to get a handbag together filled with personal items and take to her local Women’s refuge in Silverdale.. Through the power of social media, this collection ended up extending to Auckland, Hamilton and Wellington, with over 300 bags packed. The 2018 campaign featured drop off points for bags in 10 cities nationwide, with the number of bags collected nationwide tripled and delivered to 17 different women’s refuges.
The It's in the Bag team hopes that this year’s edition will be the biggest yet. They hope to collect 1,500 bags from 16 cities/regions!
How do you donate to the campaign?
It’s in the Bag is simple to donate to:
- The first step is to choose a handbag in good condition that you no longer use;
- Then donees fill it with some essentials and a few luxury items. This can include shampoo, soap, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, sanitary items, makeup and perfume.
- If you don’t have a bag, you can still donate items to be included in a handbag that has been donated.
All donations can be dropped at drop off points from 11th November to 1st December 2019. See the https://www.itsinthebag.org.nz website for more information about the campaign.
How did BDO Taranaki get involved?
This is the first year that BDO Taranaki has been officially involved in the It’s in the Bag charity drive. BDO Principal Gaylene Findlay brought the idea to the New Plymouth office after visiting her sister last Christmas who was involved with the Hamilton collection. As soon as they heard about the cause, many of Gaylene’s colleagues started to save handbags to help with the 2019 campaign!
Further, after getting in touch with Michelle Barnes of It’s in the Bag, BDO Taranaki were determined to support the campaign within New Plymouth and the wider region. This is as well as getting other firms within the national network onboard, with the ultimate aim of setting up collection points at each BDO office across New Zealand in time for the 2020 charity campaign!
Why is this community focus important to BDO’s identity?
Community is central to BDO. Without a vibrant network of businesses, New Zealand wouldn’t be the country that it is. We see it as mandatory to help our people to be the best they can be and to give back. A rising tide lifts all boats, and a thriving local community means we will thrive too.