Over €2k raised for Women’s Aid by hair and beauty salon

MORE than €2,000 had been collected by Monday morning this week for Women’s Aid and in memory of a Tallaght woman who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend in 2014.

From Ballycragh, Sonia Blount was 30 years of age when she died in the Plaza Hotel ten years ago.

In memory of her sister and to raise funds for Women’s Aid, Claire Reddin held an event last Sunday in the salon she runs on the Old Bawn Road, Angel Hair and Beauty.

Describing her sister Sonia as someone who loved spending time with family and friends, Claire hopes that the salon event will also raise awareness of the support available for people experiencing domestic violence.

Claire told The Echo: “Through the event we are raising money, raising awareness and remembering Sonia and all the other women.

“We want people to talk about domestic violence more.

“It happens all the time and the more people talk about it, the more people will open up.”

Women’s Aid fundraiser

The event, which saw salon staff carry out blow-dries and shellac nail treatments for a minimum donation of €15, received a strong response.

“It was a great day,” Claire said.

“We’d like to thank local businesses for donating fantastic spot prizes [for the raffle], everyone was so supportive.

Laura with Sophia and Kisha

“Thanks to everyone who came on the day and to all of the staff.

“The staff have been a great support to me and to the event, giving their time.”

She added: “A lot of women came together [for the event] who wanted to support other women”.

Sonia’s family has dealt with their grief privately over the years and were unsure about organising an event in Sonia’s name.

Abbie and Claire

However, Claire told The Echo ahead of the event: “I wasn’t sure if I wanted to, because as a family we’re quite private and don’t speak publicly about it, so I wasn’t sure.

“But I thought, you know what, this is the reason why I want to help Women’s Aid.”

Money from the event is still coming in, and by Monday morning more than €1,000 had been banked from the event and nearly €900 online.

Anyone who would like to make a contribution can do so on idonate HERE.

If you have been affected by the issues raised, call Women’s Aid’s free 24-hour helpline on 1800 341 900.