Volunteers to offer free hair cuts for those in need 

A youth group from St. Mark’s Lutheran and St. James Anglican churches in Kingston continues ‘caring through sharing’ this week, offering an opportunity for a spruced up haircut for those who might otherwise go without as the weather warms.

Volunteers and interns at the churches started the “Caring through Sharing campaign” in March this year to help and support the residents of the Portsmouth Olympic Harbour Sleeping Cabins. They offered residents haircare, foot and hand care services, movie tickets, and meals from local restaurants, all free of charge. The community response to the fundraiser was incredible, the group shared, exceeding the expectations and allowing them to share more care with those in need. Hence, the group is extending the free haircut service to other community members beyond those currently staying in the sleeping cabins who cannot afford such services normally. The project’s GoFundMe campaign raised over $1,700. 

Adding to the youth group’s funds, a bottle drive was carried out in partnership with Queen’s students. The bottles donated to be returned have also helped financially support the project. It’s all part of a larger picture that gives those wanting to help the ability to do so, the group explained.

“The way that this can make an impact on the community is that we can provide basic needs for people who struggle to access this level of care. We are providing free haircuts because we believe anyone in Kingston should be treated with dignity and respect regardless of what barriers they experience,” said Pastor Seth Perry of St. Marks Lutheran Church. 

Perry shared that he came up with the idea of the campaign alongside Deacon Lisa Chisholm-Smith and three student interns at the church, Praise Christi, William Hannsell-Drover, and Peter Hannsell-Drover. The campaign was then initiated and promoted by the youth group at the churches.

Now, with the support of the community giving them the financial means to do so, the youth group is offering free professional haircuts from 1 to 4 pa.m. on Thursday, Apr. 14, 2022 at St. James Anglican Church, located at 10 Union Street.

Seven hairdressers — three independent hairstylists and four hairstylist students — have donated their time, as well, and will be on hand to offer a trim, buzz, or snip, and some styling suggestions for those who attend. The student interns from the churches will also be on site to assist.

“We want to thank the community for donating to our GoFundMe campaign, because that has allowed us to open this project to the greater community,” said Pastor Perry.