Salon's offer will aid Haiti

For, on that date, all proceeds from the work carried out by the Shek salon team from 12.30-5pm will be donated to the international aid agency’s relief in Haita where the earthquake which struck earlier this month has so far claimed the lives of at least 80,000 people.

Customers will, themselves, be rewarded with 20% off the usual prices of all Shek hair and beauty services during the special charity event.

Shek point out, however, that gift vouchers will not be accepted during its Oxfam aid afternoon and that cash payments would be appreciated to facilitate the ease of fundraising.

According to Oxfam a horrific picture of need is continuing to emerge in Haiti.

While international efforts are focused on establishing a foothold in the wrecked capital from which to disperse aid, the actual epicentre of the quake was in the countryside. There is no access to rural areas, so no picture yet of the disaster there and scale of people’s needs, the charity says.

Although aid is beginning to get through, the impact of the earthquake on Oxfam’s Haitian and international staff, the logistical challenges combined with a destroyed office and warehouse and the loss of communications have made this the one of the hardest responses the agency has ever mounted.

The agency lost two employees and most of its staff have endured harrowing personal losses as a result of the quake. Most of Oxfam’s staff had their homes damaged or destroyed and are sleeping outside like the rest of the Haitian population.

Part of the Oxfam office and a key warehouse full of 75,000 worth of vital water and sanitation equipment were destroyed when the quake struck.

Shek owner Claire Hannan told The Ballymena Times: “We felt, given the scale of this disaster, that we could and should do something to help and we feel sure that our many regular customers will be keen to support us.

donation

“Chatting to them as we have styled, cut and coloured their hair over the past week, so many have spoken about the situation in Haiti and the team decided to designate a special day - February 7 - when our proceeds will be donated to the Oxfam Earthquake Appeal.

“We are proud to be able to do this and are keen to raise as much as possible.

“According to Oxfam, just 10 will buy a hygiene kit for one family, 25 will buy ten 14-litre buckets and 50 will buy two basic latrines to serve 40 people.

“So, anything we and our customers can raise will make a difference and may even save lives,” she said.

* If YOU are in need of a beauty treatment, a hair cut, colour, highlights, re-style or even a trim, why not book your appointment for February 7, enjoy a 20% discount on the cost and join with Shek in supporting the vital work that Oxfam is doing in Haiti.