Trade Secrets collects hair appliances for charity

Trade Secrets is collecting gently used hair appliances to donate to local women’s shelters during its seventh annual give-and-take trade-in event.

Until September 27, Canadian beauty retail franchise system Trade Secrets is collecting gently used hair appliances to donate to local women’s shelters during its seventh annual give-and-take trade-in event.

The campaign invites customers to bring their own hairstyling appliances to any location to be tested by store staff and donated to shelters across the country, which offer support and accommodation for women and their children who are escaping violence.

Since the annual program began in 2007, more than 30,000 hair appliances have been collected and donated to such organizations as Yellow Brick House in Richmond Hill, Ont., and Rosalie Hall in Toronto.

“The program has been a rewarding experience for our young women and is highly anticipated every year,” says Larissa Bholaramsingh, manager of development at Rosalie Hall’s resource centre for young parents. “It’s gestures like these that help rebuild self-worth and dignity in the lives of women who are struggling with turmoil and poverty.”

Any unwanted but still functional curling irons, blow dryers, flat irons or other hairstyling appliances can be donated through Trade Secrets. In turn, donors receive 50 per cent off the purchase of a new salon professional-brand flat iron or blow dryer.