Ascend Salon owner David Greenwood not only wants to be a leader in his industry, but in the community.
Greenwood runs an environmentally sustainable business that also gives directly back to the community they serve.
Ascend Salon welcomes people to come in every month to raise money for the YES Project - Penticton Youth and its goal of building a youth centre. For one day each month they invite those with budgetary constraints as well as anyone wanting to make a cash donation in exchange for hair cuts and services.
“As stylists, we have an amazing opportunity to influence our community and I think that we tend to downplay our importance. We have the ability to really connect with people, to talk about real issues and recognize a serious need within our community,” said Greenwood. “I felt like so many of us are taking our voice for granted. Stylists have the ability to be a voice and influence our community in a positive way. I thought it was about time to start doing that.”
Typically it has been the first Monday of the month that Ascend has chosen for the fundraising event. They have chosen Dec. 2 to hold the fundraiser this month from 5 to 9 p.m.
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“We are very excited that Ascend Salon is hosting a fundraiser to raise money for The YES Project. One of the three goals of The YES Project is to build a youth resource centre in Penticton. Penticton is in urgent need of a youth centre, for a safe place for youth to get support and resources,” said Amberlee Erdmann, YES Project co-ordinator. “We are very appreciative of the support The YES Project has received thus far from the community and local businesses. The YES Project needs the support of the community to help make our goals of building a youth centre a reality.”
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Others who wish to donate to The YES Project can do so any time at Ascend Salon, #101-3450 Skaha Lake Rd.
Ascend is Green Circle certified, with up to 98 per cent of its waste recycled. This includes hair, chemicals, colour tubes and much more, along with the usual recyclables. When visiting Ascend, you will see pieces by local artist Jenny Long. Greenwood will continue to support local artists and rotate different works of art quarterly.
Located one block from stunning Skaha Lake, Penticton’s Ascend Salon offers haircuts, colours and styles for all ages, trends and occasions. Being an innovative salon that also gives back to the community are just some of the reasons why Ascend Salon was chosen as one of the Top 10 businesses in the Penticton and Wine Country Chamber of Commerce Facebook Favourites contest.
This feature is part of a series in partnership between the Penticton Western News and the Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce featuring winners of their social media contest.
Read more about the Facebook Favourites winners that have been features so far:
Community sources, community driven at Craft Corner Kitchen
Penticton’s Patio Burger flipping over Facebook Favourites