Salon in Downham Market celebrates fifth anniversary by holding fundraising event

A salon in Downham has celebrated its fifth anniversary by raising money for charity alleviating hygiene poverty.

Salon@ raised over £1,000 for charity Toiletries Amnesty, a charity which helps with hygiene poverty across the country.

Salon Manager Lilian L'Amour said: "We believe everyone should be able to feel good, no matter their circumstances.

The fundraiser included an exclusive shopping event which involved the salons usual products being sold at a discounted rate.

"We are lucky enough to still have Salon@ standing after the pandemic, let alone thriving as much as it is."

Toiletries Amnesty provides those in need with products which have been donated that are unwanted and lightly used.

The products are donated to homeless shelters, women and children's refuges, mental health services, children and families centres, food banks, refugee support groups, NHS Trust services, schools and colleges, prison services, and more.

Lilian added: "With that in mind, we would like to spread the “good feeling” to those who are less fortunate.

"We work with cosmetics and toiletries all day, every day and understand how these things can have an impact on how we feel, our confidence and our overall wellbeing.

"Some people aren’t able to access basic and essential toiletries, let alone luxury, “nice to have” items."

Founder of Toiletries Amnesty Karen Harvey said: "Poverty in the UK is set to get worse this winter, with people not being able to afford heating

or electricity, and needing to use foodbanks more than ever, essential hygiene products like soap and toothpaste just become too unaffordable.

"The knock-on effect is huge, not just on physical health, but on mental wellbeing too.

"We are really grateful to Salon@ for helping make a difference to their local communities.

"After such a difficult time for the beauty industry it’s really heart-warming to see people wanting to reach out and show kindness and care for others. We can all do something, and that’s a wonderful thing!"