Handbags and hope a silver lining

Handbags, hope and finding a silver lining are at the heart of a Picton landlady’s bid to help women when they need it the most.

Oxley’s owner Amy Cragg is supporting this year’s Love Grace Handbag Appeal.

And she is so committed to making the appeal a success, she was planning from her hospital bed while recovering from cancer surgery.

‘It’s really amazing that Grace’s family managed to find a silver lining out of all they’ve been through

“I watched the documentary on TV, and it was pretty horrendous. The Love Grace appeal is an amazing cause.

“It’s a positive way to deal with a loss that helps people when they are vulnerable and not in a safe space.”

Held in memory of British woman Grace Millane, the appeal was arranged by her family and the idea garnered support from across the globe.

Grace was a tourist visiting New Zealand in 2018 when she murdered in Auckland.

Her love of handbags inspired her family to help others in her name.

In 2024, the NZ appeal aimed for 1,500 bags but received 5,269 donations.

The appeal is entirely volunteer run, with 35 coordinators and 55 local businesses involved last year.

This year more than 50 coordinators and over 90 drop off points have been arranged so far.

Diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2024, Amy has undergone both chemotherapy and radiation.

She has just undergone surgery and is now home recovering.

Ensuring the appeal is a success is important to the mum of two, she says.

But she couldn’t have organised the appeal without the help of her hard-working team, she says.

“The whole team have been involved pushing it at work and putting up displays which is really nice.”

Amy says she hopes the appeal, which begins on February 14 and runs until 8 March will be well supported by locals.

It is just the start of her support for the event which she hopes to be involved with every year from now on.

The bags symbolise hope and a fresh start for women often forced to leave everything behind. These bags are then donated to local women’s refuge centres.

“Being able to help make sure people are aware about what’s going on hopefully means more donations,” Amy explains.

“I’d like to think how I can make this even better for next year.”

Usually found behind the bar or chatting to customers, Amy will be taking six weeks off to recover from surgery.

Her eldest son Tremain has flown from Australia with his partner and their children to be by her side and take on roll of manager.

“I’ll still drop in to see the team,” Amy says. “I’m very grateful for all their support.”

Donations can be dropped off at Oxley’s Bar and Kitchen at 1 Wellington Street in Picton, or BDO on Arthur Street in Blenheim.

Items Needed

Basic

Toothpaste

Toothbrush

Shower Gel

Shampoo
Conditioner

Deodorant

Extras

Wipes
Tissues
Plasters
Soap / Hand Gel
Lip Balm
Cotton Buds
Face Cloth / Sponge
Torch
Hair brush / Comb

Luxuries

Make up
Perfume

Hairbands / Clips
Gloves
Scarf 

Notebook / Pen

Playing cards

Purse

Sunglasses
Jewellery