The Belleville Local: XXL Scrunchie Supports Local Hospital #StayHome Collection

By AMANDA LORBETSKI, The Belleville Local

A local business has launched a new #stayhome collection, in support of the Belleville General Hospital Foundation (BGHF). 

Tina Nguyen, owner of XXL Scrunchie & Co. in Belleville, launched the #stayhome collection on April 2. The collection has already sold-out twice during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fifty per cent of sales from the collection were recently donated to BGHF, a donation of $2,553. 

“I am so grateful to have built this business to have the opportunity to help give back. In our current situation, I want to help spread the very important message of staying home and social distancing. We think it’s important to get funds to important community organizations ASAP,” Nguyen said, adding that the #stayhome collection is ending soon, with several hair scrunchies still available for purchase.

“We aren’t supplied with suitable material for the mask supply shortage, so with the fabrics we still have at home, we created the #stayhome collection to donate its profits to the Belleville General Hospital Foundation. We chose to donate funds to BGHF because we need to keep our hospital strong and prepared. The need is greater now than ever before.”

To learn more about XXL scrunchies, visit their website, Facebook or Instagram pages. 

“I am doing what I can to support organizations that make a difference in my community, she said. “Fifty per cent of the profits from this collection were donated directly to Belleville General Hospital Foundation—my goal was to donate $1000 to try to help my local hospital (Belleville General Hospital Foundation) stay strong and prepared during COVID-19.”

Nguyen added that the collection’s message was to encourage everyone to stay home during the pandemic, while still providing a way for customers to help support local healthcare.

“I am so proud of this community in helping me donate over double my goal. This fundraiser was more than the donations—it included the important message to #stayhome,” Nguyen said, adding that she wanted to use her business to give back to a local charity.

Company owner Tina Nguyen said she is thankful to her customers for supporting the campaign. More than $2,500 was recently donated to BGHF, through the #stayhome collection. | Charlotte Buckle Photography

The XXL rewards program also allows customers to collect points with every purchase, to redeem for discounts.

XXL scrunchies can be purchased online or at locations across Ontario (including Salon You in the Quinte Mall, The County Emporium in Prince Edward County and Hair Candy Extensions in Kingston). The company also sells their XXL & Co. sweaters and hats online.

Nguyen attended Nicholson Catholic College, prior to studying psychology at the University of Ottawa and graphic design at George Brown College. 

QHC continues to accept donations of personal protective equipment (PPE) from donors in the community. Hand-made cloth masks are needed to help protect patients and hospital visitors. N95 masks are also needed for healthcare workers. To donate, call 613-438-4394 or email covidwarehousecoordinator@qhc.on.ca.

For the latest information on COVID-19 in Hastings and Prince Edward Counties, visit the health unit’s website.

View the full article from The Belleville Local.