ManiCure 4 Cancer was conceived quite by accident. In September 2010, cancer survivor and parent Melanie Tinianov walked into the wrong classroom on parent/teacher night at Alexander Mackenzie High School in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada. As it turned out, it was the right classroom after all. Diane Marchisello, a cosmetology teacher was there to greet her and Tinianov, a holistic esthetician and skin care coach, asked if she would like to do a fundraiser offering esthetics services to the teachers.

The two had a conversation about the fundraising possibility and thought that the students would benefit greatly from this type of project. Ultimately it was the cosmetology students, with the help of their teachers, who put together the fundraiser, offering manicures, hand massages, haircuts, airbrush tattoos, hair extensions, and baked goods to their peers, teachers, and parents. All proceeds were generously donated to ManiCure 4 Cancer, which in turn, donated the funds to the Canadian Cancer Society and various researchers.

The first-ever ManiCure 4 Cancer fundraising event, which took January 13, 2010, was held at six different high schools, raising $1,600.The second annual ManiCure 4 Cancer was held on January 13, 2011. This time 16 high schools participated, raising almost $10,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society.

“This is a life-changing event for most and knowing that they have largely contributed to saving a life is mind blowing,” says Tinianov. “Everyone walks away each year with a great sense of pride and accomplishment.” 

This year, professional salons jumped on board and allocated the entire month of January to ManiCure 4 Cancer, donating a certain percentage of their services and helping to fund a specific research project for gynecological cancer at the Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto.

To learn more about ManiCure 4 Cancer or to become involved, e-mail melanie@mindbalancecoaching.com

— Judy

Beauty for Good spotlights beauty products, services, and events that benefit a good cause. To be considered for this column, leave a comment below or e-mail details to features editor Judy at Judy.Lessin[at]bobit.com.