After opening her Charlottetown business two years ago, Luxe Beauty Bar owner Jenna Thompson wanted to find a way to give back to the community that has shown her so much support.
Food and clothing are often what people tend to donate to campaigns, so Thompson started a fundraising effort to help gather the other day-to-day products many people take for granted.
“Hygiene products are necessities that are expensive and unavoidable monthly costs for families,” she told The Guardian. “Often having to choose between food and hygiene products, families are resorting to the alternatives that can lead to long-term health risks.”
Toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss, deodorant, shampoo, body wash, menstrual items such as tampons and sanitary napkins, toilet paper, etc., are the sort of items that Thompson hopes to collect.
It’s important for Island businesses to help out in their communities, she said.
“When people get together and co-ordinate their giving, as occurs during a business fundraiser, tremendous and lasting good can be done for the community.”
When Charlottetown resident Colleen McCabe heard about the fundraiser, she knew exactly how she would help out.
Like many people, McCabe collects Shoppers Optimum points throughout the year.
This year, she decided to use the 100,000 points she collected to purchase feminine products to donate to the fundraiser.
“I save my points over the year to buy myself something, but I really don’t need anything,” she said, adding when she heard about the fundraiser, she knew what she’d use them for.
“I couldn't imagine not being able to afford these products, so why not give to people who don’t have these necessities?”
As if there wasn’t enough incentive to donate, Luxe Beauty Bar will give donors a ballot for every item donated, for a chance to win a free service valued up to $75.
All items collected will be brought to a Santa’s Angels drop-off centre on Dec. 20.
To help:
Hygiene products can be dropped off at Luxe Beauty Bar, 79 Grafton Street, Charlottetown, until Dec. 20. For more information, email [email protected].
