SpaEquip, Inc. announces the launch of The Gift of Spa, a new non-profit program that will provide spa services to the underprivileged or people in need who might otherwise never experience the healing benefits of spa treatments. Spas who buy from SpaEquip and chose to participate in the program will receive an annual 2% reimbursement of their total purchases, which they will in turn match to total 4%, and provide spa services of equal value to a local charity of their choice.
SpaEquip founder, Philippe Therene, was inspired to create the program after discussing “give back” initiatives within the spa industry with Rona Berg, Editor-In-Chief of Organic Spa magazine at a Green Spa Network Conference, as well as after listening to keynote speaker Blake Mycoskie, Tom’s Shoes founder, at the ISPA conference. To increase the amount in spa services offered to charities such as homeless and battered women’s shelters, organizations that help struggling single moms and dad, cancer patients, underprivileged teens, and other populations for whom a spa treatment might be out of reach, spas will have the option of asking other local businesses and organizations to match the 2% and increase the in-kind donation. The spa services can be performed either at the spa, at the charity’s location, or at a 3rd party location within the community.
“A spa experience always has a positive impact on my life,” says Philippe Therene of SpaEquip. “Many people don’t have that chance. Through my business I wanted to find a way for under-served individuals to enjoy
this experience, feel better about themselves and hopefully enjoy a better life. I think The Gift of Spa can help accomplish this. I am looking forward to partnering with many of our clients to spread the positive impact of spa experiences wherever possible.”
Michele Loobey-Gertsch of Akela Spa added, “Akela Spa of Deadwood is pleased to be part of The Gift of Spa. We will be introducing the “Healthy Image” program to an adolescent population who are challenged with acne. We realize what an opportunity our industry has been given to touch the lives of underprivileged students during a challenging period of life.”
The Gift of Spa is ready to launch and will be offered to spas across the country as an outreach to charitable organizations and the people they serve. For more information on how your spa can participate in The Gift of Spa Program, contact Philippe Therene at (707) 737-1112 or email [email protected].
