Two of Avon’s staff will be embarking on an expedition to the Himalayas in support of Refuge, the country’s largest single provider of specialist domestic abuse services. Tracey Powers, Head of Sales at Avon UK, and Kate Donovan, Communications & Community Director for Avon Western Europe, will set off on the trek in October.
Refuge turned 50 in November 2021 and is marking this significant milestone with its first bespoke trek. Refuge supports many thousands of women and children on any given day, and has a range of specialist services which help women and children rebuild their lives and overcome the different forms of abuse.
The Himalayas expedition involves five days of intense trekking for up to nine hours per day. The challenge will take Tracey, Kate and their fellow trekkers through bamboo forests, past majestic waterfalls and snow-capped mountains, as well as testing them with long steep climbs and rocky trails.
Tracey Powers, Head of Sales at Avon UK, said:
“Avon has a community of over five million representatives worldwide and knowing that in England and Wales, one in four women experiences violence or abuse in her lifetime is a really troubling statistic. Avon does lots of work with its community of representatives and customers to raise funds and awareness of where people impacted by domestic abuse can go to see help, but there’s more to do.
“I’m so proud to be taking part in the Himalayas expedition. Refuge charity does incredible, lifesaving and life-changing work for women and children in the UK and this will no doubt be front of my mind to help keep me motivated during the challenging trek.”
Kate Donovan, Communications & Community Director for Avon Western Europe, said:
“One in four women experiences violence or abuse in her lifetime, making violence against women and girls the most widespread human rights violation in the world.
“When the opportunity arose to take on the Himalayas expedition as part of Refuge’s 50th anniversary, I couldn’t say no. It’s a massive challenge, but I’m a huge supporter of the work that Refuge does for women and girls in the UK and I’m looking forward to pushing myself and helping to raise awareness ad funds to help the charity in their critical work.”
Gabi Field, Director of Fundraising and Communications at Refuge, said:
“Refuge is so grateful to Tracey and Kate for taking part in our first bespoke trek, and to Avon for their ongoing support. Our work has never been more important, with lockdown really underscoring the need for the specialist services Refuge provides, and every penny raised helps us to make sure no woman or child is turned away from receiving the support they need and deserve.”
For over 135 years, Avon has been transforming the lives of women across the globe. We speak up and speak out on issues that matter to our communities, we support the causes that matter most to allow women to lead safe and healthy lives. Here in the UK, we’ve raised more than £25m over 25 years, donating to both breast cancer charities and charities helping women facing domestic abuse.
To find out more about Avon’s purpose work visit their website.
Visit Refuge’s National Domestic Abuse Helpline for more information.
