media release | Wednesday 26 February, 2014

Aro Valley businesswomen to get the chop for charity

TWO ARO VALLEY businesswomen are gearing-up to lose their luscious locks at this year’s Aro Valley Fair.

But going under the razor will depend on the generosity of fair goers, they say.

Helen Daly, 32, and Jemma Jeffs, 29, will shave their heads live on stage at 2pm provided they can raise $4,000 for their chosen charities, Camp Quality and Fostering Kids.

Helen, beauty therapist and owner of Aro Valley’s Skinfocus, says: “So far we’ve raised about a thousand dollars through public sausage sizzles, Christmas raffles and a Facebook campaign called ‘We’ll get the chop, if you cough up’.

“The Aro Valley Fair, in a couple of weeks’ time, is our big opportunity to bump up that total. It’s about doing what we can for kids-in-need – and entertaining people at the same time.

“The fair is always great fun, with a great community vibe. We’re telling people to come along, to give generously – and to see two local women get the chop,” says Helen.

Helen and Jemma decided to pair up for the head shave event after finding they shared a common desire to give back to the community in some way.

Jemma, a senior stylist at Aro Hair Studio, says: “Fundraising for kids made sense to both of us. For me, it’s about helping kids in families dealing with cancer. For Helen, it’s about helping foster families continue to do a great job for kids in care.

“All we need now is for the good people of Wellington to get behind us at this year’s Aro Valley Fair – come on folks, we’ll get the chop if you cough up!”

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What’s happening?
Two Aro Valley businesswomen are raising money for kids-in-need at this year’s Aro Valley Fair.

What are they doing?
Shaving their heads live on stage at 2pm if they reach their fundraising target of $4,000.

Why?
They want to raise money for kids’ charities Camp Quality and Fostering Kids.

What’s special about Camp Quality?

Camp Quality is Jemma’s chosen charity. See http://www.campquality.org.nz/

Jemma says: “Camp Quality is awesome. They offer fun and support to kids in families dealing with cancer.

“They send them on (free) camps and buddy them up with volunteers – people outside their family circle who they can talk to, hang out with and have fun and feel normal with.

“I’ve personally known families with terminally-ill children. I’ve seen firsthand how illness affected those kids and pressured their families. It’s devastating.

“A charity like Camp Quality can make a huge difference. They not only offer kids some much-needed timeout, they also give them some special attention in a different, fun environment. Parents benefit by knowing their child is in safe hands and smiling!”

What about Fostering Kids?

Fostering Kids is Helen’s chosen charity. See http://fosteringkids.org.nz/

Helen Daly says: “I chose Fostering Kids because it’s a charity that supports foster parents and the work they do for children placed in their care. I have huge respect for these people and the vulnerable kids they care for.

“I also feel grateful in my life for having brilliant parents and a good childhood.  And, I guess, it’s something you want all kids to have – if not directly through their own families, then through a great foster family.

“Also, as a business owner, I believe it’s important to give back to the community. This is my way of doing that.”

How can I show my support?
·         Come to Aro Valley Fair on Saturday 22 March – bring cash for the bucket!
·         Give generously now through the Give A Little website: http://www.givealittle.co.nz/search?q=we%27ll+get+the+chop+if+you+cough+up&submit
·         Join Helen and Jemma on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Well-get-the-Chop-if-you-cough-up/579334095472877?ref=br_tf

ENDS

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