Air Hair Salon donates proceeds from Toowoomba Gallery art pieces to Sony Camp

A local hair salon has teamed up with Toowoomba Gallery to sell stunning art pieces, with proceeds going towards Sony Camp.

Air Hair studio owner Tracy Pitts and Toowoomba Gallery manager Bec Statton will present the cheque to Sony Camp

For Air Hair Studio owner Tracy Pitts, Sony Foundation Australia’s Sony Camp has been a huge benefit to her and her 19-year-old son, Ned.

“My son has autism, so growing up he struggled committing to sporting groups and activities and with making friends. Attending Sony camp was a big step for him,” Ms Pitts said.

Starting at the end of term 3, the holiday camp goes for three days and two nights. Volunteering students are paired up with their guests for the duration of the camp.

During that time, students and guests will participate in a range of fun, team-building activities.

Seventy-two year 11 students from Fairholme College, Glennie School, and Toowoomba Grammar School have volunteered to participate in Sony Camp this year.

Ms Pitts explained that prior to Sony Camp, Ned hadn’t been away from his family for even one night.

“I was quite worried about how he would go, but the students made Ned feel he was part of a team, that he had friends,” Ms Pitts said.

“It was quite a life-changing experience for him.”

Ned has now been to Sony Camp twice, and said that he remembers how much of a fun time he had.

“Everyone was so compassionate, charismatic, and accommodating to me and the other guests. By the end of the camp I was sad to say goodbye,” Ned said.

Air Hair Studio displays pieces from the Toowoomba Gallery with 5 per cent of proceeds from art sales going to Sony Camp

Air Hair Studio displays pieces from the Toowoomba Gallery with 5 per cent of proceeds from art sales going to Sony Camp

Ms Pitts was eager to give back to the foundation after the amount of help and support they had given to her family.

She reached out to The Toowoomba Gallery in hope of displaying some of their pieces in her salon.

The Toowoomba Gallery manager, Bec Statton said she was thrilled to have a new audience see the beautiful pieces for sale at the gallery.

“It brings a whole new market and a stronger sense of community for the gallery,” Ms Statton said.

When customers purchase an art piece, five per cent of the sale goes to the foundation.

On Monday, Tracy and Ned went to Fairholme College to present the cheque to the students who will be volunteering at this year’s Sony Camp.

(From left) Tracy Pitts and Ned Pitts presented a cheque of $1000 to Toowoomba Grammar school deputy headmaster John Anderson on behalf of Sony Camp

As well as volunteering, the students will raise money for the camp and foundation.

Toowoomba Grammar School deputy headmaster John Anderson said that the contribution will be a huge help in meeting the students’ target.

“We really appreciate Tracy and Ned coming down to Fairholme to share their positive experiences with our students. Ned is an old boy from Toowoomba Grammar so it was great to see him again.” Mr Anderson said.

Ned is now working casually and completing tertiary preparation for wildlife studies.

Air Hair Studio will be fitted with new art pieces from Toowoomba Gallery every three months all from Australian artists.