Hamilton City Corps ‘Girls’ Night Out’

On Monday 11 March, The Salvation Army Hamilton City Corps held its first ‘Girls’ Night Out’ for 2024. Led by the creative Carla Lindsey and her dynamic team, these quarterly events for women of all walks of life are a highlight in the centre calendar. Around 90 women arrived to the aroma of freshly made barista coffee, which helped foster conversation and connection in the large café area.

Carla said, ‘I was delighted that there were women from churches all across Hamilton, including some who had travelled from Auckland and Tauranga. Some heard about it through the community while others turned up all by themselves and had a great time!’

The special guest for the evening was Jules Badger, co-author of When The Lights Go Out. Jules shared about the decline of her mental health in 2012 and offered a few pearls of wisdom from her recovery journey experience, as well as some spiritual insight and encouragement for continued mental wellbeing in the 21st century. There was a question time afterwards which was helpful for many.

Attendees also had the opportunity to try their hand at some craft activities, including paint marbling for a unique journal cover and chic gift bags created using beautiful stencils. Gorgeous aesthetics in the auditorium set the scene, with a quiz and chocolate treats followed by some fun and memorable ‘boom-whacking!’ An assistance dog called Chloe and her trainer visited at the beginning of the evening adding to the fun and many enjoyed some spontaneous pet therapy.