Colour Me Purple

On the 19th of March 2015, HELP is holding their annual Colour Me Purple charity auction to raise money to help fund their crucial work within our community. Emceed by actor Aaron Ward, the evening’s entertainment will include performances by Kiwi icons as well as both a live and silent auction. Outstanding locally-made art is on offer, as well as amazing experiences, including a walk-on part with local heartthrob and sexual violence prevention educator Sam Bunkle on Shortland Street, a weekend away experiencing Waikato’s Waitomo caves and Hobbiton, and three nights at the Gold Coast in the Sheraton Mirage Resort with flights included. HELP aims to raise $50,000 to help them bridge the funding shortfall they face in delivering their services.

Tickets to Colour Me Purple are limited (but don’t worry, I’ll let you know how you can get yours in just a moment!), and guests are encouraged to wear their best purple attire – so I’ve put together a few of my favourite purple finds to help you look fabulous!

 

SHOP IT: Beach Works Trilby Marty Hat, $12.00 from The Warehouse; boohooPLUS Jessica Bardot Skater Dress, $40.00 from boohoo.com; Next Peep Toe Sling Back Wedges, $104.00 from EziBuy; Ray-Ban RB4208 Sunglasses, AUD $199.95 from The Iconic; Flocked Skater Dress, $109.99 from City Chic; Next Circle Trim Wedges, $82.00 from EziBuy; Dorothy Perkins V Bar Structured Clutch, AUD $20.97 from The Iconic; Hydrangea Dress, $179.99 from City Chic

If you’ve found yourself wondering why I’m talking about this charity auction (let’s face it, you probably are), it’s because HELP is a cause that’s really close to my heart. They provide specialised services for Auckland women and children who have experienced sexual abuse or assault, including 24/7 crisis services, therapy services for youth, children and families, justice services and preschool safety programmes. I worked closely with some of the doctors and nurses who provide care to sexual abuse survivors in New Zealand for a number of years, and I myself am a survivor of sexual assault. I think that the support that HELP provides is absolutely essential, and I want them to be able to continue to help the people who need it. And trust me, a lot of people need it. Over a nine-month period in 2014, HELP responded to 423 call-outs, provided 107 face-to-face counselling sessions and answered 12,080 crisis phone calls. That’s just the services needed in Auckland – one city.

 

SHOP IT: Layer Keyhole Dress, $139.99 from City Chic; Status Anxiety Phoebe Wallet, AUD $39.00 from The Iconic; Ray-Ban Erika Velvet Sunglasses, AUD $149.95 from The Iconic; Kate Madison Short Sleeve Dress, $35.00 from The Warehouse; Colour Wrap Dress, $109.99 from City Chic; Silver Stud Earrings with Amethyst and Cubic Zirconia, $99.00 from Pandora; Natalie Ballet Flats, $19.99 from Number One Shoes; Triwa Niben Watch, AUD $279.00 from The Iconic; boohooPLUS Sophie Swing Cami Vest, $18.00 from boohoo.com

Formerly the Auckland Sexual Abuse HELP Foundation, HELP Foundation was founded in 1982, following doctors and police identifying the need for specialised support for survivors of sexual abuse or sexual assault. The demand for HELP’s services increases annually, and their work relies on people who are dedicated to making a difference. Through Colour Me Purple, they are appealing to Aucklanders to help support the cause, while having an amazing and inspirational evening.

What: HELP’s Colour Me Purple Charity Auction
When: 6.30pm, Thursday 19th March 2015
Where: KPMG Boardroom, 18 Viaduct Harbour Avenue, Auckland CBD
Tickets: $60.00 per person, please purchase your tickets via iTicket

If you would like a copy of the auction catalogue please email HELP’s fundraising team.

All proceeds from Colour Me Purple will go directly into furthering HELP’s essential services, including 24/7 Crisis Services, Adult Therapy, Youth Services, Justice Services, Child and Family Services and community programmes, including the preschool safety programme We Can Keep Safe.

For more information on HELP’s services and how you can contribute, visit their website.
If you or a friend/family member need HELP, please get in touch with them here.