EDITOR’S LETTER

THE HEART OF BEAUTY

THE THEME OF OUR FEATURE article this issue highlights how the beauty industry gives back to the world, whether in your immediate community or through communities or causes in other places. Regularly, e-mails, letters and pictures come in from across the industry about fundraisers for various causes. We try to give editorial coverage in the magazine whenever we can because we believe in recognizing and supporting any efforts to help those in need or to help the environment.

You may ask, what have we at ou may ask, what have we at Salon Magazine done to give back? When I posed the question to our president, Brian Light, he didn’t think it appropriate to blow our own horn. I saw his point, briefly, but I still think I should mention a few things. Through Contessa sponsorships and ticket sales we donate to Look Good Feel Better annually. We sponsored a village in Africa last year instead of sending our clients Christmas gifts. We also supported the tsunami and hurricane Katrina relief funds. On the environmental front we use Domtar EarthChoice® paper for our inside stock, which is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

Annually, the Contessa Community Service award recognizes those whose efforts have made the most impact. For 2006 Rocco Campanaro from Axcess Salon + Spa in Richmond Hill was recognized for raising over $30,000 dollars in support of the Alzheimer Society. “The fundraiser brings us all together in support of one cause, like a team,” says Campanaro, giving credit to the other salons who helped make the event a success.

John Steinberg was recognized in 2005 for raising $163,000 for breast cancer research over 10 years from hosting his annual pool tournament, which he co-founded with public relations guru DonnaLee Langton. John, a regular columnist for Salon Magazine and a man of great humour and heart, took things to new heights this past fall by producing a calendar called Women of Substance, where he posed as a woman each month—a fun take on the movie Calendar Girls. He raised another $18,000 through the sale of the calendar.

The philanthropic and environmental efforts of everyone shows that the true heart of the beauty industry is not just in the services you do for clients.

Stephen Puddister Stephen Puddister Editor