Renee Whitcher is running a Christmas Cheer Box program.
Camera IconRenee Whitcher is running a Christmas Cheer Box program. Credit: Supplied/Martin Kennealey

Cheer boxes give support to women in refuges

Bryce Luff, Cockburn GazetteFremantle Gazette

And while presents are often forthcoming for children, mums seeking support often go without.

That’s why Bicton mum Renee Whitcher decided to call on friends to donate a Christmas cheer box. It involves filling a shoebox with skincare, cosmetics, stationery, chocolates and the like, then tying a bow around the box and writing a positive affirmation on the lid.

The boxes will be given to the Women’s Council for Domestic and Family Violence Services, then distributed to the various refuges around Perth.

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‘It means women who flee their homes, often with nothing but the clothes on their back, are not forgotten,’ Ms Whitcher said. ‘It was about women empowering women and saying ‘we’re here to support you and we admire your courage’.’

She expected 100 boxes to be donated by Wednesday, amazing considering she had intended just to call on her friends for help when the idea was first conceived.

Atwell’s Wendy Hope and her daughter both contributed boxes.

‘It is hard to comprehend what it must be like for these women in refuges,’ she said.

‘Christmas is a time to think of others and hopefully we can bring these ladies some joy this year.’

Email stevewendyhope@bigpond.com.