A group of young people from the Lutheran churches of St. Mark and St. James in Kingston continue to “care through sharing” this week, offering the opportunity for a well-groomed haircut to those who might otherwise do without it when the weather heats up.
Church volunteers and interns initiated the “Caring through Sharing campaign” in March of this year to help and support the sleeping cabin residents of Portsmouth Olympic Harbor. They offered residents hair care, foot and hand care services, movie tickets and meals from local restaurants, all for free. The community response to the fundraiser has been incredible, the group shared, exceeding expectations and allowing them to share more care with those in need. Therefore, the group is extending the free haircut service to other members of the community in addition to those currently staying in the sleeping cabins who cannot afford such services normally. The project’s GoFundMe campaign raised over $ 1,700.
In addition to the funds of the youth group, a bottle of wine was made in collaboration with the students of Queen. The bottles donated to be returned also helped financially support the project. It’s all part of a bigger picture it gives those who want to help the ability to do so, the group explained.
“The way this can impact the community is that we can provide basic needs for people struggling to access this level of care. We are providing free haircuts because we believe that everyone in Kingston should be treated with dignity and respect, no matter what barriers they encounter, “said Pastor Seth Perry of St. Marks Lutheran Church.
Perry shared that he came up with the idea for the campaign with Deacon Lisa Chisholm-Smith and three church interns, Praise Christi, William Hannsell-Drover, and Peter Hannsell-Drover. The campaign was then initiated and promoted by the youth group of the churches.
Now, with the support of the community providing them with the financial means to do so, the youth group is offering free professional haircuts from 1 to 4 pm Thursday, April 14, 2022 at St. James Anglican Church, located at 10 Union Street.
Seven hairdressers – three independent hairdressers and four hairdressing students – have also donated their time and will be on hand to offer a cut, buzz or cut and some styling tips for those attending. Student interns from churches will also be on site to assist.
“We want to thank the community for donating to our GoFundMe campaign, as it has allowed us to open this project to a wider community,” said Pastor Perry.
