Charity

Although our slogan at Oliver’s is “Treat Yourself Well,” we also believe treating others well is just as important. Every business wants to succeed, and the true measure of success is giving back to the community you operate in.

In this post, I’m going to talk about a local charitable fund, Wings 2 Peace. Oliver’s and other local businesses work with Wings 2 Peace to make the Lehigh Valley a better place for our neighbors.

Here is one of the beautiful handmade cards created for the Wings 2 Peace charitable fund. Susan Christine (owner and co-founder of Wings 2 Peace) hand designs and creates each card.

Hospitals, despite their best efforts, are often scary and unfamiliar. This fear is compounded even more when the patient is a child. In tough medical times, there is no comparison to the feeling of one’s own home. Wings 2 Peace charitable fund strives to improve hospice care at Lehigh Valley Health Network for Pediatric, Pediatric Hospice and Inpatient Hospice patients.

The Woman Behind the Cause

Susan Christine, a former registered nurse, business owner and fund raiser, co-founded Wings 2 Peace in 2014. Susan has always spent her time caring for others. While she was a nurse, she worked in critical care, oncology, post-anesthesia and the burn center. Along with her medical career, she is also a dedicated volunteer in the Lehigh Valley. Susan was a tremendous help to the American Cancer Society Lehigh Valley as well as Lehigh Valley Health Network’s Inpatient Hospice Unit. Wanting to share giving opportunities with even more people, Susan created Wings 2 Peace following her retirement.

The Charitable Fund

Wings 2 Peace donates 100% of gross proceeds from selling hand-designed greeting  cards exclusively to Lehigh Valley Health Network. Donations to the fund go towards making those in hospice as comfortable as possible by providing what founder Susan Christine calls, “The Ritz-Carlton of health care.” She has worked with LVHN on renovations to transform the Inpatient Hospice Unit at Lehigh Valley Hospital-17th Street into a more calming and home-like environment. Amenities include soothing lights, nature-based art and a more comfortable setting for visitors with chairs, throw blankets and quilts.

Making a hospice unit feel less foreign and more like home is a unique way to comfort families and patients in some of their scariest moments. No one understands these moments better than Susan, who has seen firsthand how hospice care can affect a family, and wants to make those delicate times more comfortable for all involved. The children’s lounge in the hospice unit will be filled with crafting materials for children to "share their emotions through art." Much like familiar pictures on your walls at home, these "creations warm hearths and provide consolation.”  

Wings 2 Peace uses the butterfly as their logo to symbolize the “transformation from a place of pain and suffering to a place of beauty and peace." The butterfly accurately symbolizes how this charitable fund turns the worst moments into something more positive. 

Where Can You Support?

To support this amazing cause, you can either donate directly to the Wings 2 Peace charitable fund on their website or purchase a Wings 2 Peace card from any of the following local businesses. 100% of the proceeds from card sales support Wings 2 Peace charitable fund. Your support will not only help W2P, but local entrepreneurs as well.

Oliver’s Salon & Spa

Our full service salon and spa that offers hair, skin, nail, spa and cosmetic services to fully pamper you.

Susan Bella Jewelry

Four time winner of Best Jewelry Store in the Valley, Susan Bella specializes in a relaxed and personalized jewelry buying experience.

Ross Plants and Flowers

A full service florist, greenhouse and gift shop that has been open since 1938.

BoutiqueToGo

A constantly updated and stylish boutique that sells upscale jewelry, accessories and gifts. 

Allentown Appliance

A one-stop-shop for appliances, selling everything from air heating/cooling, grills, refrigeration and other fun gadgets.

Counter Culture

Owned by Allentown Appliance, another great resource for stocking your home with unique, new appliances. 

Another handmade card from Susan, perfect for any recent graduates in your family.

Wings 2 Peace is a great way to directly support the community, small businesses and local families. Donate to the fund to make sure those in their worst times can feel a little bit more at home.

Thank you to Susan for all the work she does in supporting local families in their times of need. If you’re interested in purchasing one of her cards or learning more about her charitable work, Like Wings 2 Peace on Facebook and visit the Wings 2 Peace website.