Ascencia Homeless Shelter in Glendale, California, US worked with Prank it Forward recently to offer its homeless guests a surprise spa day, where they could have showers, then receive haircuts, manicures and massages, as well as new clothes and waterproof gear.

The guests thought they were just being served breakfast, but instead were treated to the spa day, where many of them were completely transformed, as you can see in the video below.

The video illustrates the power of feeling good – both for the homeless and for the therapists and organisers – and shows how important the work we do in the spa industry can be.

“I really needed this,” one woman says. “And I never would have been able to give this to myself.”

Another woman says she hasn’t been able to afford make-up for six years, and a man beams, saying he’s never had a professional massage before, and can’t remember the last time he had his hair cut professionally.

“Somebody cares,” another man says, then chokes up. “I’m a Vietnam Vet, honourable discharge, and I’m not used to any affection.”