Handbag auction raises $17,000

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Handbags & Gladrags organising committee members were thrilled with the event’s success. PHOTO:...
Handbags & Gladrags organising committee members were thrilled with the event’s success. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Fifty-six colourful and gift-laden handbags were popular with the about 200 people who attended the Safe Families Handbags & Gladrags sale recently.

The evening raised $17,000, which will help Safe Families provide resources, education and training to prevent family harm in Mid Canterbury.

Event organiser and coordinator of Safe Families, Anna Arrowsmith, said it was ‘‘such a great evening’’.

‘‘I was a little blown away with the generosity of everyone given the cost of living crisis.’’

Fourteen handbags were prizes in a raffle, 10 were offered in a silent auction, while the main auction offered 32 handbags each containing goodies and vouchers. The lowest priced fetched was $110, while two sold for $575 each.

Among the many on offer was a handmade handbag that doubled as vase.

Crafted by deputy mayor Liz McMillan, it sold for $320.

Arrowsmith is now busy planning the annual White Ribbon Quiz.

Teams of six will compete at the quiz, held at the Hotel Ashburton on November 22.

By Dellwyn Moylan