Unique Campaign Merges Beauty With Human Rights Issue

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- It's probably the last thing that comes to mind when we're talking social issues.

But one major cosmetic company is using soap to bridge the gap between Syrian refugees and Americans.

Amy Yensi explains.

Lush cosmetics is hoping to get consumers to get involved in the Syrian crisis without having to leave their store.

Customers coming to Lush in Harbor East are learning about soap and a pressing social issue -- the refugee crisis in Syria.

The retailer known for its high-end skin and bath products is hoping to raise awareness about the millions of Syrian refugees fleeing persecution.

"The plight of Syrian refugees is the greatest humanitarian crisis of our time and that we can really use our platform to share that with customers," said Mandee Forbes, manager of Lush.

All of the proceeds going to support refugees resettling in North America.

"It's a subject that nobody wants to talk about, but it needs to be talked about," said shopper Allison McGainy. "So I think this is awesome. It's going towards it and it's helping people."

The International Rescue Committee in Baltimore resettles about 1,000 refugees a year, about 100 of them are Syrians.

"What Lush is demonstrating is their values to human rights and to protect the dignity of people fleeing persecution," Ruben Chandrasekar, executive director of IRC.

In a show of solidarity, all Lush shops will dedicate their store-front windows to welcoming refugees in Arabic.

The refugees welcome campaign is a response to growing opposition to the resettlement of Syrians in the U.S. by leaders like Gov. Larry Hogan.

"We just want reassurance that proper vetting takes place," Hogan said in November.

Christian Canales fled violence in Honduras and says this welcome will go a long way.

"It brings the community together," Canales said. "It shows who cares and it shows who doesn't. It shows positivity."

Lush Cometics is hoping to raise $350,000 for charities helping refugees resettle in North America, including IRC.

There are 237 Lush stores in North America and they are all participating in the campaign.