After a friend’s mother-in-law was denied her dying wish to have her hair done and nails manicured, Leigh Schumann made it her mission to help out.
That’s why, in 2012, Schumann and some friends founded The Lipstick Project (TLP), to provide free, professional hair, massage and nail services to men, women and children facing significant health challenges, as well as their primary caregivers.
Almost entirely volunteer run and operated, the charity exists to provide dignity, respite and practical and compassionate care to people who are facing some of the hardest days of their lives.
“My friend’s mother-in-law passed away in a hospice on the North Shore. Her last wish was to get her hair and nails done,” said the charity’s executive director Schumann, who’s a consultant for non-profits in her day job.
“But (my friend) found it difficult to find someone at short notice who was comfortable performing their services in a hospice. So we started looking for volunteer opportunities for professionals.”
TLP currently has 66 active volunteers who visit 10, and counting, partner locations across Metro Vancouver to deliver services on a bi-weekly basis.
Last year, it delivered more than 650 free, professional-grade services to people in the region.
TLP is now moving into Richmond, with services being offered at the Salvation Army Rotary Hospice House. Their program is bi-weekly on Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
“We need more volunteers in Richmond to help us out. A hair salon has already partnered with us,” added Schumann.
“We’re looking for massage therapists and nail technicians for our first foray into Richmond.”
For more information, go online to TheLipstickProject.ca.
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