Beauty company Avon has made a second donation to Amber Women’s Refuge in Kilkenny as part of its global programme called Speak Out Against Domestic Violence.
Region Manager Una Barnes and local Avon distributor Kay Marrow visited the centre on Monday last to meet staff and volunteers and presented them with a cheque for €1,000. The money was raised from the sale of a specially-commissioned women’s empowerment necklace earlier this year, which customers were able to buy exclusively through Avon’s network of independent sales representatives all over the country. The presentation of the cheque coincided with a nation-wide campaign that was run by the national charity Women’s Aid, and partly-sponsored by Avon -called the 16 Days of Action. This two-week initiative ran from November 25 to December 10 ) to raise awareness of the issues surrounding domestic violence and to encourage women to call the national Helpline: 1800 341 900.
Anna Segatti, president of Avon UK and Ireland, said: “Avon Speak Out Against Domestic Violence is a global programme which allows us in a very direct way to make a difference to the one-in-three women world-wide who are affected. Refuge co-ordinator Tina Sullivan welcomed Avon’s ongoing support. “This additional donation will help sustain our much-needed counselling service,” she said. “Today’s economic conditions mean that we need every cent possible to keep this invaluable service going and we thank the local community for their continued support in these difficult times.” Last year Avon’s donation of €5,000 was used for the same purpose. “At the same time it is wonderful to have the support of a company whose commitment to women is second to none,” she added.
Avon’s total fund-raising for 2009 will be confirmed at the end of the year when further donations will be announced.
