Victoria stylist’s ‘hair bank’ reaches people in need of a free cut
A Victoria hair salon owner and stylist is trading his tips for donations he’ll match to give people in need a free haircut.
When Jamie McCallum opened Community Salons on Meares Street in May, he wanted it to be a welcoming place for everyone.
“And maybe especially for people in need,” he says.
The ‘hair bank’ runs on the honour system – where people can book online or by phone and make a note they’re in need.
McCallum says it’s a concept he’s wanted to introduce for a while.
“It could be somebody who is displaced,” he says. “I’ve worked with women in transition, people in early recovery, youth at risk.”
For Lynn Edgett, it was a sandwich board on Cook Street mentioning the hair bank that pointed her to the shop. She’s trying to get back to work after a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment in June 2020.
“It took my life right from under me,” she says. “It’s been trying. Stressful.”
She sat in the salon chair for the first time in months – eager and grateful to clean up the hair that’s growing back.
“It’s awesome because I wouldn’t be able to afford it right now. I just can’t.”
McCallum says that’s the case for many.
“It’s sort of a treat that not a lot of people get to experience,” he says. “I might not be able to relate to everyone in here, but as far as mental health stuff I’ve definitely had struggles in the past. It’s important to me that now that I’m sort of out of that to give back.”
People who want to contribute to the cause can call or stop in at Community Salons – and anyone looking to book a haircut can do so online or by phone.
“People are generally really grateful,” says McCallum.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.