Melissa Neale Memorial

Melissa Neale's face is known to most of New Zealand. She was one of the many people who lost their lives in the 22 February Christchurch earthquake.

Melissa's family chose to honour her memory by asking for her friends and family to make donations to Christchurch Women's Refuge in lieu of flowers. This was incredubly generous and throughtful, especially at a time when they must be grieving so much, and we are very grateful that they chose to honour Melissa by helping other women and families reclaim control over their lives and futures.

Melissa lived in Island Bay and was only 41 when she died. She was retail manager for the Real Aotearoa store chain and was in Cashel Mall interviewing for a new Christchurch store manager on 22 February. Ironically she was only metres away from Christchurch Women's Refuge's community offices, which had been red stickered on Boxing Day, forcing us to move all operations into our Residetnial Safe House. Melissa and her Mum Margaret were having lunch in Cashel Mall when the earthquake hit.

Those who knew Melissa describe her as a bubbly, passionate person. From her beautiful photo, it is easy to see that.

Our Memorial to Melissa

To honour Melissa Christchurch Women's Refuge has decided to rename one of the bedrooms in our Safe House in her honour. Traditionally the rooms have been named after women who have championed women's rights - Ettie Rout, Kate Shephard etc - but we have decided to rename one room The Melissa Room, and to mount a plaque that outlines who Melissa was and why she names this room.

We think this is a fitting gesture to remember her, within a palce that helps bring women and children to safety, and to the beginning of a brighter future. Those of you who knew Melissa and wish to make a donation in her commemoration can do so via the methods on our donation page, but please be sure to incude your name and Melissa's, so that we can record the donations correctly.

Rest in Peace Melissa.