Lucy volunteered to go to
prison as part of a fundraising event for the New Zealand charity Shine
on 19 March 2011. Shine – (Safer Homes in NZ Everyday) - is doing what
works to stop domestic abuse in New Zealand. A very worthy charity
indeed and one worthy of spending some time in prison to raise some
money.In recognition of Shine’s contribution to the safety of New
Zealand families, the Department of Corrections offered
a unique opportunity for an evening inside the new portion of the Mt.
Eden Prison facility. This event raised a massive $120,000
to support Shine’s award winning programme,
safe@home, which
provides free home security upgrades for high risk victims of domestic
abuse – adults and dependent children who are at risk of serious injury
or death.
Kerre Woodham MC'd this exclusive, invitation-only event. The guest
list of dignitaries and corporate groups included Members of Parliament,
Auckland Mayor Len Brown, Lucy Lawless, Rosie Horton (recently made a
Dame for her charity work) and other prominent New Zealanders. Speakers
included Dr. Pita Sharples and a former inmate who described what it was
like being a prisoner.
The evening’s activities included an auction of a few very special
donated items including:
- A Ralph Hotere signed bottle of wine
- Tim and Neil Finn signed Takamine guitar
- A Jon Tootill painting "Koekoea"
- A Queenstown golf package for 4
- A Fiona Whyte sculpture "The Light Within"
- A dinner party for 10 by chef and owner Geoff Scott at Vinnie's
Restaurant in Herne Bay (which sold for more than any other auction
item)
As the event was held inside of a prison, guests were treated to a
night free from cellphones, cameras and stiletto heels. Hence the only
photos taken at the event were of guests as they arrived.
