Fashion designer Annah Stretton recognised for charity work

Morrinsville-based fashion designer Annah Stretton has been awarded the ASB Social Entrepreneur of the Year.

Over the past 24 years Stretton has undertaken a range of philanthropic initiatives and aligned with a number of charities. She said it was “wonderful” to be acknowledged in this area. “It is a lot more important than so many of the other business awards that have been attached to me over the years, in that this one truly acknowledges the difference that I have made and will continue to make to the social fabric of New Zealand society.”

Stretton said RAW was getting change in the demographic that no one could reach. “We are working to get life change through education and 360 degree wrap-around support for recidivist incarcerated women. We are bringing them back into mainstream and getting the intergenerational change for this submerged demographic –  as a country we all talk about wanting this, but have failed to work out how to achieve it.”

Stretton said this outreach required new thinking, “an absolute passion” and an ability to drive the change. “To change the intergenerational outcomes and advance the children of the next generation, we had to get to the mothers. The women that we work with through RAW (the mothers) will be the change agents we all so desperately seek.

“We are breaking the cycle.”

Stretton said to be recognised for this work, given that the trust has only been in existence for two years, shows the inroads they have made.

Stretton is building on the success of RAW and looking to tailor a programme for men in early 2016. She is also looking at opportunities to replicate the initiative overseas.