Elkhart Hair Salon "cuts out bullying" with Rio's Rainbow fundraiser

NOW: Elkhart Hair Salon “cuts out bullying“ with Rio’s Rainbow fundraiser

ELKHART, Ind.,--Kimi's Hair Designs in Elkhart is not only cutting hair, it’s cutting out bullying. In honor of Alopecia Awareness Month this September, the salon is raising money in honor of Rio Allred, a Northside Middle School student who committed suicide after being bullied from Alopecia.

You can not only get that much-needed trim but support a cause near and dear to the community. Proceeds go to Rio’s Rainbow, the non-profit created in her name with a mission to ensure all children attend school without fear by directing its efforts in education, legislation and accountability.

Lori Meherg, a stylist at Kimi’s Hair Designs and the event’s organizer, hopes to raise money and supp a cause to spread awareness of bullying in schools.

“Too many kids suffer from in-school bullying, at-home bullying,” said Meherg. “We just want to make awareness. We just want to raise money to provide resources for kids and families. We want to get the word out there that this is something that needs to change.”

The fundraiser is near and dear to Meherg.

“Well, I Knew Rio personally, so this hit home,” said Meherg. “In a situation like this, what can you do to help? You do anything you can.”

Meherg is a friend of Rio’s family; she’s known her since she started learning how to walk. The news of her passing was devastating to her and many others in the community, so she decided to use her hairstyling skills in her honor.

“We’re trying to make a difference in not only the community but for our kids’ lives. The kids are our future,” said Meherg. “So, we’re trying to make a better place for our kids this year. We want to make it known that it is a thing--it is not new. It’s something that needs to change; it’s something that needs to stop.”

To participate, head to Kimi’s Hair Designs (705 County Road 6 E Elkhart, IN 46514) from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Haircuts are on a first-come-first-serve basis.

If you don’t need a haircut, there will also be a bake sale at the salon benefitting Rio’s Rainbow. You can donate in person or visit the non-profit’s website.

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