This is a guest blog written by Denise Wetherell of Lake Oswego’s Shear Creations Salon. After learning about the horrors of genocide in North Africa, Denise and her daughter, Anna, started a grassroots effort called Pamper for a Purpose, which is in its third year.

Once a year for the last two years, Shear Creations has played a big part in helping women and girls affected by genocide in Darfur and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Living in refugee camps, these women and girls face the threat of an attack when they go out in search of wood to use to build fires for cooking. So far, we have raised $6,300 to help solve this problem! This money goes toward the purchase of solar cookers, which provide an easy, sustainable way to cook, giving women a chance to provide for their families while staying safely in their villages. We also provide hygiene packs and vocational education as we strive to bring positive change to an unimaginably hostile land.

This year, Pamper for a Purpose will be held at Portland’s Director Park on Sunday, July 28th from 2-7pm, so mark your calendar! Enjoy live music, kids activities, a silent auction and pampering services such as acupuncture, haircuts, massage and more with all proceeds going toward the cause. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn more about what we do and how your donations will impact the women and girls of Darfur and the Congo. If you’re interested in helping, we are still accepting volunteers, practitioners and sponsors, as well as donors for the silent auction. Click here to sign up to be a part of the event. We hope to see you there! Thank you so much for your time!

“If you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together” ~ African Proverb