Aesthetics aid children still affected by disaster.
Recently, the team from Aesthetics salon in Solihull hosted a charity day in aid of the Chernobyl Children’s Charity. The foundation was launched fifteen years ago to support children and families in Belarus; the country most affected by the Chernobyl disaster.
The charity funds an annual summer trip for families, bringing around 100 children to the UK for a recuperative holiday and the chance to relax, recharge and enjoy some quality time together. During their break, families are invited to get involved in a series of activities, supported by local businesses – including the team at Aesthetics.
The salon provides pampering for children on the trip – from cuts and blowdries to colour services; it’s all on offer, with the salon team on hand to provide whichever services the boys and girls want to make them feel fantastic. Everyone also leaves with a goodie bag of salon products, supported by partners including Redken.
Aesthetics have worked with the charity since 2011 and aim to continue to grow their involvement and provide support to families in need. The relationship began when salon client Catherine McElholm, the treasurer and group coordinator of Chernobyl Children’s Charity, suggested the salon might want to get involved.
“Catherine asked and it was an immediate yes from us,” says Sarah Bowron, director of Aesthetics. “It’s one of our favourite things to do as a team. Although I’m aware we’re doing a good deed, it gives us much more than that and the team look forward to doing it, year after year. While donating money to charity is good and easy enough, nothing beats being able to help people directly and see their joy – and that’s why we do it.”
Doctors in Belarus say that a four-week holiday boosts the children’s immune system for at least two years, helping them to resist, or recover from, serious illness and significantly reduce the amount of radioactive caesium which has built up in their body. In the summer, when the dust causes radiation levels to rise, it is important for as many children as possible to leave their contaminated homeland for a few weeks of fresh air, clean food and some much-needed rest and recuperation.
