A Newmarket small business owner is turning a milestone anniversary into an opportunity to raise much needed funds to help women experiencing domestic abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Timeless Harmony Salon & Spa owner Katie Gilligan this year celebrates five years in business at the corner of Leslie and Gorham streets.
To mark the accomplishment, Gilligan is hosting the virtual event, Women’s Wellness, on Sept. 17 with all proceeds going to Newmarket’s Women’s Centre of York Region.
The centre has seen a surge in the number of women experiencing intimate partner violence as a result of the pandemic, and the funds raised from the event will help provide additional counselling services to enable them to leave abusive relationships safely, Gilligan said in a statement.
The Women’s Wellness event features three keynote speakers, including Amanda Gobatto, owner of Digital Girl Consulting who encourages people to embrace their true selves, Nkechi Nwafor-Robinson, an entrepreneur, author, professional athlete, and inspirational speaker who is devoted to uplifting people and helping them live more fulfilling and purpose-driven lives, and Helen Dantas, an author, public speaker and former client of the Women’s Centre of York Region.
“Our keynote speakers will share their unique and compelling stories on wellness, self-care and empowerment,” said Gilligan. “The evening will be interactive with a question-and-answer session and opportunities to win prizes throughout the evening.”
The Women's Centre of York Region was founded in 1977 and is dedicated to providing counselling, basic needs support, and skills development programs and workshops to women aged 18 and older for them to thrive personally, socially and economically.
The majority of women seeking help at the centre have experienced domestic violence, limited income, low participation rates in the labour market, or experience other barriers that make it difficult for them to contribute to their communities and live their lives to full potential.
Timeless Harmony Salon & Spa is at 1091 Gorham St., Unit 107 in Newmarket. The business is dedicated to giving back to the local community and has organized many fundraisers for local not-for-profit organizations since 2015, including its popular Be a Santa to a Senior campaign.
The Women’s Wellness virtual event takes place on Thursday, Sept. 17 from 7 to 9 p.m. Registration is $30 and the first 50 registrants will receive a swag bag. An in-spa raffle and online auction will also take place during September.
To register, visit here.
