We learn more about domestic abuse foundation Elle For Elle and the admirable women behind it.
Friends Lynette Page-Collin and Rachel O’Hare created the voluntary organisation to help women in need.
“We collect body and haircare products and cosmetics from public donations to give to women’s refuges and shelters currently in the UK. Most of the women who use the refuge arrive with nothing, often fleeing from domestic abuse with small children. Having to ask for a toothbrush or sanitary wear is the last bit of dignity that these women may lose, so we wanted to help.” – Lynette Page-Collin
The pair came up with the idea after discussing the amount of makeup they both owned and how they often take this privilege for granted. There and then, they decided to give products they never used to charity. However, after researching where to take their cosmetics, it became evident there was nothing available locally.
And so, Elle For Elle was born.
“We find many women take to stealing sanitary wear, body care products and makeup (especially concealer to cover bruising and scarring). We believe no woman should risk her freedom for products we have sat in our own cupboards,” Lynette continues. “Our Dignity after Distress campaign helps vulnerable women maintain some dignity by keeping the bathrooms and cupboards of refuges stocked up with beauty products, so that they can at least take a hot shower and use some decent products whilst keeping personal hygiene private, and without feeling more degraded.” – Lynette Page-Collin
Women in refuges live off approximately £118 a month, but Elle For Elle are well on the way to helping change this figure in a spectacular way. A huge £100,000 was raised at the recent inaugural Elle for Elle annual ball – Midnight at the Oasis – a night full of Moroccan glamour, food and music. The evening’s auction in aid of the charity included prizes such as weekend tickets to the Coachella Festival, a weekend trip to the Monaco Grand Prix, and a personal shopping experience at Louboutin World in Paris.
And you can help too. This Christmas, Elle for Elle will be working with over 70 refuges across the North West to hand over beauty gift sets just in time for the festivities. All you need to do is buy a lovely beauty gift set, take it to one of their drop-off destinations and walk away knowing you have helped a survivor of domestic abuse feel worthwhile. Lynette and Rachel are hoping to surpass the 1027 boxes collected last year.
“We’re supported by local businesses such as boohoo and Eurocamp as well as the cast and crew of Coronation Street, which is amazing.To date, we’ve donated over £150,000 worth of products to help the most vulnerable of women and girls – and that figure is rising!” – Lynette Page-Collin
Visit elleforelle.org.uk for more information, a list of wanted products, and to discover your nearest drop-off point.
