Making the switch for a good cause

Switch Hair Room hairdresser Courtney Burke is excited for the salon's Edgar's Mission fundraiser. (Damjan Janevski) 281466_01

A local salon championing vegan and cruelty-free hair products is hosting a hair colouring fundraiser for Edgar’s Mission Animal Sanctuary.

On Tuesday, May 31, Switch Hair Room in Gisborne is inviting customers to try products which haven’t been tested on animals and are vegan, to encourage them to make the switch in the future.

Courtney Burke, a hairdresser at the salon, said the event is about “raising awareness” while having some fun.

“We wanted to work with a local non-for-profit foundation and we know a lot of clients that know about Edgar’s Mission,” Ms Burke said.

“We have a few people that are close to us that do some volunteer work for Edgar’s Mission, so we just thought it would be a really good, local sort of thing to join up with.”

Edgar’s Mission provides care to more than 400 rescued animals on 153 acres near Lancefield.

There’ll even be live music on the day, performed by Ms Burke’s sister, Michaela, who will also donate anything she makes to the mission.

The event will run from 9am to 5.30pm, and if they aren’t booked up in advance, will accept walk-ins too. Attendees will even get a goody bag.

“It’s a day for anyone who is vegan and cruelty free who is scared to get their hair done because they don’t want to use chemicals that are tested on animals. They can come here and it’s a safe place,” Ms Burke said.

Elsie Lange