Handbag appeal for Woman's Aid opens third donation zone in Dalbeattie
The charity drive, for those fleeing domestic violence, already has two drop-off points in Dumfries.
Last updated 21st Apr 2023
An appeal collecting handbags and toiletries for domestic abuse victims is opening another drop-off point.
The Millo Place Service Station in Dalbeattie is accepting donations, adding to the two original venues in Dumfries - the Tam O'Shanter pub and the Ship Inn.
Barmaid Kim Kirkpatrick started the appeal for Woman's Aid after seeing the story of Grace Millane, who was tragically murdered by a Tinder date while travelling in New Zealand.
Grace's family set up the Love Grace Foundation, which accepts donations of handbags and useful items to give to women in need.
Charity drive a success so far
The appeal has seen over 50 bags donated in the last two months, and the success so far is one of the reasons for the addition of the Dalbeattie location.
Kim Kirkpatrick said: "I wanted to include a wider area to make it easier for people to donate, my brother Mitch having the garage in Dalbeattie made it a good drop-off point for the Stewartry area.
"I receive messages daily asking about the foundation and where the drop-off points are which is very encouraging."
Kim works as a bartender in the pubs which act as venues for her charity appeal.
She said: "I've worked for the McCubbin family for two years and I'm very grateful they've allowed me to use the pubs as drop-off points, they also let me use a room upstairs so that I can sort all the bags out before I deliver them to the Woman's Aid."
"People have been so generous"
Each handbag is filled with necessities such as shampoo, conditioner, a toothbrush, toothpaste and shower gel.
Kim says donations have exceeded expectations: "People have been so generous, donating scarves, brushes, perfume, make-up, the list goes on.
"I divide all these things equally between the bags so all the ladies get a lovely treat on top of what we call the basics.
"Not all donations have to be both bags and toiletries, it can be either or, or both-they're all just gratefully received."