Charity Spotlight: Nurtur Helps Kids Go To Camp

By Chris Alexis

Not everyone gets a fair shake in life. But the good news is we’re surrounded by people who do their utmost to give a “hand up” whenever possible. And right now, you have the opportunity to reach out – all by going to the salon. It’s that easy.

April 23 may be an ideal date to book an appointment at Nurtur the Salon. They’re helping raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio’s Camp Oty’Okwa — a summer camp aimed at teaching urban school children how to live sustainably, foster self-esteem and confidence. The camp also protects its local watersheds that give clean water to surrounding areas. Nurtur’s fundraising goal is to raise at least $5,000 for the cause through its Beauty for the Earth event.

Timothy P. McCarthy, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio vice president of relationships, illustrated the importance of this experience for these kids.

“Our campers learn new skills, become more confident, heal from past trauma, understand differences and grow into healthy young adults ready to contribute to our community,” McCarthy said. “We measure the impact of our outcome-driven summer camp program using a tool developed by the American Camp Association.  Last year, campers significantly improved in all five dimensions we measured: perceived competence, responsibility, teamwork, affinity for nature and camp connectedness,”

He quoted Baba Dioum, a naturalist: “In the end, we will protect only what we love. We will love only what we understand.  We will understand only what we are taught.”

All of the children attending the summer camp programs each year need financial aid to do so.

“Without the support of donors like Nurtur the Salon and Aveda, they would not be able to experience the life-changing impact of attending Camp Oty’Okwa,” McCarthy said.

Wait, so how you can you make a difference? Just book that appointment for April 23 from 9am – 3pm at any Nurtur Salon for services for a donation to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio’s Camp Oty’Okwa.

Yep, treating yourself at the salon can help you make a legitimate impact for these kids.

A $20 donation will get you a haircut, blowout with Pramasana scalp treatment, or 20-minute focus massage (Brewery District only). A $40 donation gets you a 60 minute facial. Call (614) 487-3033 to schedule your discounted service, which are limited to first come, first served.

“As a salon with a lot of moms, we know how important it is to foster the growth of our children early on, which is why we continually partner with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio to give back to their Camp Oty’Okwa,” said Mary Sundermeier, the company’s marketing manager. “Nurtur wholeheartedly believe that what we do now will affect many generations that come after us, which is why sustainability and being an environmental leader is so important to us. Lucky for us, Camp Oty’Okwa marries our two loves for our next generation in one amazing summer camp that truly changes lives. We hope you can join us April 23^rd for Beauty for the Earth!”

But wait . . . there’s more!

Guests who come in to any Nurtur Salon on April 23 will also have an opportunity to make an impact by purchasing any of the following donation add-ons:
– $10+: Swag bag filled with goodies, including a pass to the Wexner Center for the Arts, a pass to Shadowbox Live, a travel-sized Aveda lotion, Columbus Weddings magazine, a gift card to Modo Yoga, and more.
– $30+: Swag bag + $25 Nurtur dollars towards a pre-booked appointment*
– $80+: Swag bag + complimentary hair cut* + complimentary brow wax or 30-minute facial*
*All appointments must be scheduled during the Beauty for the Earth event, and appointments must be scheduled within 12 weeks of the event.

What if you the idea but your calendar tells you April 23 isn’t a good day? No problem! For the entire month of April, guests can give to Camp Oty’Okwa at any Nurtur Salon by purchasing a raffle ticket (1 ticket = $3 donation. 3 tickets = $5 donation) or purchasing a seed packet for $1 each.

So, what do you say? In the mood to get your hair done?

Visit nurtursalon.com to find a salon & services near you.