Dave Lawrence and his store, That 50's Barber Shop in downtown Nanaimo was nominated multiple times for Amplify Nanaimo. (That 50's Barber Shop Facebook)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

LOCAL BUSINESS

Amplify Nanaimo: That 50’s Barber Shop

Jul 10, 2021 | 11:10 AM

NANAIMO — Small, local business to the lifeblood of any community and NanaimoNewsNOW is proud to amplify the work they do in our region.

Amplify Nanaimo is a new initiative with Pattison Media and Save-on-Foods to nominate and recognize local businesses who go above and beyond in the community.

That 50’s Barber Shop is a staple of Nanaimo’s downtown, not only for haircuts but as the catalyst for several community programs including the widely used Fresh Start.

“(Fresh Start) provides backpacks filled with school supplies to school aged children (k-12) in the Nanaimo area,” one nominator wrote. “Dave has been a pillar of the downtown community for years and is active in all sorts of local arts and charity events. He actively promotes, sponsors and supports local arts events and charities in Nanaimo.”

Owner Dave Lawrence spends hours collecting school supplies which he then hands out to families who need it. The event in 2020 was severely modified, however 2019 saw its biggest year ever.

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He also offers up free haircuts to kids who read a story while in the chair.

“It’s not just a freebie, he’s promoting literacy by having children exchange reading a story for a haircut and school supplies. It keeps the kids engaged and ready for school,” Lawrence previously told NanaimoNewsNOW.

In return for his generous community spirit, Nanaimo rallied behind Lawrence in early 2020 when his barbershop was broken into and several priceless tools of his trade were stolen.

Included in the stolen items were a pair of scissors.

“My grandmother bought them for me when I was in barbering school, that’s gone. 19 years ago those were worth $450 which I didn’t have and she bought them for my final exam. That’s a personal thing, that’s tough.”

A fundraising campaign raised nearly $8,500 for Lawrence to replace what he could and invest in a security system for his shop.

Help Amplify Nanaimo! Nanaimo’s local businesses are the heartbeat of our community. Help keep that heartbeat strong. Nominate a local business that has made a difference in your community.

By nominating a local business, you enter the weekly draws for Save-on-Foods gift card, including the grand prize of groceries for a year!

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