Online marketplace Trade Me has launched its Kindness Store for the second year in a row, with the aim of supporting families in need through a collaboration with community organisation Women’s Refuge over the Christmas period.

According to Women’s Refuge, there were 6000 women and children across New Zealand that needed the organisation’s help last Christmas – 30 per cent up on 2017.

Purchases through a dedicated page on TradeMe’s website will see goods ordered going instead to help someone in need, with the retailer looking to eclipse the $20,000 worth of goods purchased in 2018.

The products offered have been chosen in collaboration with Women’s Refuge.

Products include vital basics, such as bedding and pillows, as well as kids toys, dinner sets, and supermarket vouchers. Trade Me will donate $10,000 worth of items itself. 

“Christmas is a magical time of year for most of us, but for some it can be very tough and Women’s Refuge routinely supports families who have escaped with nothing but the clothes on their backs,” said Trade Me spokesperson Logan Mudge. 

“Kiwis are known for their generosity and the success of the Kindness Store last year has encouraged us to keep it alive and make it easier for our community to find out what items they need most.

“It can’t be underestimated just how big a difference a small gift can make to these families and we have an ambitious goal to churn out 2,000 sales this year and put a smile on some deserving faces.”

According to Women’s Refuge fundraising and communications manager Susan Barker, the holidays can be a very stressful time for families under its care. 

“When leaving a violent partner is a positive, life-changing event, for the first few months it is incredibly daunting and brings with it a lot of uncertainty and turmoil,” Barker said. 

“Christmas is an opportunity to provide some hope and help these women and children feel positive about what their future holds.”