In the heart of the great little neighbourhood of Birkenhead is the local’s mall Highbury Shopping Centre. The centres property managers Colliers International caught up with Louise Clark from The Collective to find out about why she loves being part of the community and highlighted other things happening in the mall during December.
Louise Clark, The Collective
After struggling with anxiety and bouts of depression through most of her life, Louise wanted to do something to turn her, and her family’s life around by focusing on giving back to the community. She says that part of moving through her own mental health meant not being ashamed of who she was or what she was feeling, to be emotionally authentic and to encourage others to do the same. Her love of preloved fashion and a desire to make a positive change in the community sparked her to create something that she was truly passionate about and The Collective was born.
Louise says that she couldn’t think of a better place to be located than in Highbury Centre.
“I wouldn’t have survived the first year had it not been for the generosity and compassion of those living locally; they really started this business with me and I am deeply humbled as a result.”
Louise says the best part of The Collective, is that not only are you helping the environment and your pocket, you are supporting mental health – with 50% of profits going directly to The Mental Health Foundation of NZ.
The Collective is a high quality preloved fashion and lifestyle store offering an experience of curated style at bargain prices. They are always on the lookout for more quality clothing and furniture/homeware donations. If you would like to donate an item please call 0508 donate or email donate@thecollective.co.nz for free furniture pickups.
Other things happening in the mall this December
Birkdale North Music Centre is a great place where children can have fun with music, and take part in inexpensive classes held at Birkdale North Primary School on Saturday mornings. Birkdale North Music Centre is for all children from school years 1 to 8. The school is funded by the Ministry of Education and has a strong focus on providing affordable group music lessons to the local community.
Birkdale North Music School are proud to be part of the local Birkenhead/Birkdale community, and the students enjoy the chance to provide some Christmas cheer back to the community by performing Christmas themed songs for passers-by in Highbury Shopping Centre.
The shopping centre provides a perfect stage for the children to play as it is the local mall for most of the families, it is a familiar location and provides a nice combination of being compact, but with enough space to perform. It also has a nice friendly, laid back vibe, that allows kids to relax and enjoy themselves when performing.
Birkdale North Music School will be in Highbury Shopping Centre performing on the morning of Sunday December 9 at 10am so come along and watch them play!
Gift wrapping services from the SPCA
This Christmas SPCA will be in Highbury Centre providing a gift-wrapping service for a gold coin donation to raise vital funds for all the animals who will need shelter over the Christmas break. Your donations help to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home thousands of animals in need every year through causes such as ‘Help Kittens this Christmas’.
SPCA receives almost no government funding and therefore everything they do depends on the support of the community. It costs nearly $40 million to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home the tens of thousands of animals that need help each year.
SPCA will be in centre from 13 until 24 December 10am – 4pm daily so come and visit to get your presents wrapped for a gold coin donation. If you are lucky you might just be able to see a furry friend as well.
www.highburyshoppingcentre.co.nz
