Harrow raised beauty therapist Amy Piumarta is braving the shave, cutting off her long locks to raise funds for a charity working in Tondo, Philippines, this December.
Having discovered the destitute livelihood of many children and families living on an active rubbish dumpsite back in March, Piumarta will be shaving her hair to raise money in support of Purple Community Fund (PCF). Founded by Jane Walker MBE, PCF works in the heart of the slums in Tondo, providing support, education, and care to communities forced to live, eat and earn money from the polluted rubbish site, aptly named ‘Smokey Mountain’.
Piumarta was initially drawn to the charity after a chance Facebook post from a stranger caught her eye, a British man walking through the slums of Manila’s largest district. She says “it was quite a sight. When people are on holiday they don’t really put things like that on social media.”
Describing the video, that showed scenes of young children, climbing barefoot over a mountain of steaming rubbish collecting recyclables, as “very raw and real”, Piumarta has since teamed up with the man behind the post, fellow PCF ambassador Simon Lewis.
The pair have taken to social media to continually raise awareness and funds to support the charity’s efforts, intending to drastically improve the living conditions and quality of life for the families living and working on the site.
When asked why shaving her head was her fundraiser of choice, mum of two Piumarta explained, “I thought it would be the best thing to do. It would make an impact and it would shock people, and people will really realise what I’m doing.”
Whilst the shave date of December 13th approaches, Piumarta, who currently lives the expat life in Barcelona, has, at the time of print, raised £1,309 of her £2,500 target.
What happens with her hair? After the cut, the hair will be turned into a wig thanks to Little Princess Trust, a charity that “provides free real hair wigs to children and young people, up to 24 years, who have lost their own hair through cancer treatment or other conditions.”
To support her efforts and those of Purple Community Fund, you can donate to her fundraising page here.
A brave and bold choice, Piumarta is sure of her decision, stating; “I must say I’ve secretly always wanted to shave my head, I’ve just not had the balls to do it. I might be a bit cold in December! But my hair will grow back.”.
By Vicki Chagger
