An Oranmore hairdressing studio has celebrated its 10th anniversary with an all-day fundraiser for the Galway Rape Crisis Centre.
Anita Deegan Stankard, owner of HV Hair Studio, in Main Street, Oranmore, and her stylists Avril, Leslie and Stephanie, decided to increase public awareness of the centre by having a 10th anniversary fundraiser and celebration. All proceeds from wash and blow dry appointments that day went directly to the centre.
Ms Stankard said when her sister-in-law was sexually assaulted, she realised the importance of the Rape Crisis Centre.
“Before this happened to someone in our family, I wouldn’t have heard about the centre. But then I saw what it did for us. It’s a shame we had to go through an incident to realise how much work they do and the difference it can make to someone’s life. Rape Crisis Centres aren’t spoken about enough as charities.”
Together, the GRCC and the NV Hair Studio hope to expand awareness of the crucial frontline services available at the centre.
“We know what the centre meant to her…it meant everything. From the counselling, having someone to talk to, to the support the night it happened, she couldn’t say enough.”
Ms Stankard says in addition to her staff, local businesses around Oranmore, Clarinbridge and Kilcolgan also supported the event, including Vanity Beauty Rooms, Pressed 4 Time, Nicolas Quinn of Home Farm Butchers, and Orla Fox of Providence Kitchen.
Anyone who could not attend on the day can donate to Galway Rape Crisis Centre by texting GRCC to 50300 to donate €2, or make a direct donation to the centre through the DONATE link on the GRCC Website www.galwayrcc.org, or by calling the GRCC at 091 564800.
If you require the services of GRCC contact the helpline at 1800 355 355.