Help families in Shine's refuges this Christmas

$530 of $5,000 goal

Given by 18 generous donors in 8 weeks

This Christmas, women and children will be staying at Shine's refuges, who have escaped a violent partner or father. They need you.

Nationwide

My name is Chloe, I am 11 years old. One day last year, Dad came home in one of his moods, so I went to my room and shut the door. Then the yelling started.

When I heard Mum scream and then a loud thump, I ran into the lounge. Mum was on the ground with blood coming out of her nose.

I was shaking so much I could hardly breathe and I couldn’t move my arms or legs.

Dad stood there a minute, then he went out the front door and slammed it hard. We heard him drive away.

I helped Mum get up and brought her the phone so she could ring 111. Then the Police came. A little while later a lady from Shine came and helped us decide what to do. Mum helped me pack some things and we went to the Shine refuge. I missed my home, but it was great to not be scared anymore.

We had Christmas while we were at the refuge. I missed Dad a bit, but it was amazing to have a Christmas without one fight. Barbara from Shine came with heaps of presents and a big box of Christmas food and treats. We had a Christmas party and everything.

We stayed there a bit longer, then me and mum moved into our new flat - it is cozy and warm and safe.

I know there’s a lot of other families like ours in New Zealand cos I met some of them at the refuge. It makes me sad to think of other kids who are frightened at home. I hope that you can help the kids and their mums who are staying at a Shine refuge this Christmas.

- Chloe

Shine’s committed staff and volunteers will work through the holidays to help women and children like Chloe and her Mum to become safe, because domestic violence doesn’t stop at Christmas –it just gets worse. But we need your help.

A donation of $35 would help families like Chloe and her mum get the support they need to be safe at a Shine refuge this Christmas.

You can help to end the fear and suffering for a family in a desperate and dangerous situation.

Please will you join with me, and give what you can to help the families in Shine’s refuges this Christmas?

Thank you so much,

Jane Drumm

Executive Director

*Names have been changed to protect privacy

Shine's involvement (page creator)

Jane Drumm, Executive Director. I have been Shine's Executive Director for 18 years. Victims of domestic abuse and their children need your help now more than ever, as there are more and more families like Chloe's who need help to get safe.