That 50's Barbershop owner Dave Lawrence with fresh tools he was able to buy with money raised from an overwhelmingly popular GoFundMe. (Spencer Sterritt/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Spencer Sterritt

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Feb 6, 2020 | 11:37 AM

NANAIMO — The doors are open once again at That 50’s Barbershop in downtown Nanaimo after a devastating robbery.

A GoFundMe raised more than $7,500 in one day for the shop after it was robbed overnight on Tuesday, Feb. 4. Priceless personal items, barbering equipment, cash and memorabilia were stolen from the shop on Victoria Cres.

Shop owner Dave Lawrence said the outpouring of community support made for a rollercoaster day with a happy ending.

“It really started early,” he told NanaimoNewsNOW. “My friend Dale walked in very quickly after with $200 and said ‘Don’t even worry about paying me back, lets get you some tools, lets help you out.’ People whose hair I’ve only cut once or twice would drop off $20 or $50.”

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Lawrence managed to purchase new tools on Wednesday, Feb. 5 and was open for business once again on Thursday.

“It was this bad feeling, yet there was this outpouring of love and support which really shows how much the community cares about me and my family. It was amazing.”

The GoFundMe page was created by his dear friend Robyn Yaredic within an hour of her hearing about the break-in.

“I knew there would be a great response because people really love Dave. He’s such a great, community-minded person and a friendly face in downtown Nanaimo. I had no idea it would be as successful as it was as fast as it was.”

Money raised from the online campaign will pay for new tools, a security system, shop insurance and repairs.

Lawrence pledged leftover money will go towards the Fresh Start program he started, which outfits students with school supplies and a new haircut for the first day of school.

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit