A charity appeal for handbags in aid of domestic abuse victims has expanded.
Big-hearted barmaid Kim Kirkpatrick launched an appeal for bags filled with toiletries for Women’s Aid at the two Dumfries pubs where she works and has now signed up another venue in Dalbeattie.
She said: “I wanted to include the Stewartry area and now my brother’s garage in Dalbeattie is a drop off centre for the handbags.
“It is a closer place to come as opposed to people coming to Dumfries to drop them off at the Tam O’Shanter and Ship Inn.
“The garage is the Millo Place Services Station at Dalbeattie High Street and owned by my brother Mitchel Panteli who is happy to help out.”
Kim added: “The charity is close to my heart and I got the idea after seeing the story online about Love Grace and their appeal.
“I have contacted the Love Grace Foundation and the family are delighted with my appeal so I am really chuffed about that.
“They have sent me tags which I attach to the bags explaining the work of the foundation.
“The bags must be 30cm long and contain six basics which are: shampoo, conditioner, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shower gel and deodorant.
“People have been so generous and more than 50 bags have been handed in so far.
“I also work part time as a delivery driver at Tesco and they have been very generous in donating items.
“And I would also like to thank the McCubbin family who own the two pubs for allowing me to use the premises as collection points.”
Mitchel said: “I am really pleased to be able to help out and provide a drop off place and provide a space for the bags which makes it easier for local people.”
Susan Bevan, depute manager of Dumfriesshire and Stewartry Women’s Aid, said: “We feel honoured that Kim thought of our service and those who are going through domestic abuse.
“It’s brilliant, absolutely brilliant what she has done and helping raise awareness of the cause.”
For more on the campaign go to www.lovegrace.co.uk
