Dave Lawrence is the man behind Fresh Start, which will hand out a record amount of donations during an event Sunday afternoon. (submitted photo/Dave Lawrence)

By Alex Rawnsley

GENEROSITY

‘Word got out and it became massive:’ record numbers anticipated for annual Fresh Start

Sep 4, 2022 | 5:30 AM

NANAIMO — Dave Lawrence thought 2022 might be the last time he trades a story or drawing for a haircut…but community generosity proved him very, very wrong.

Lawrence, owner of That 50’s Barber Shop, will hold his annual Fresh Start event at the downtown Nanaimo library between 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sep. 4. The event offers up free haircuts, backpacks, clothing and school supplies for local youth.

Whether the event would proceed at the level of its past glory was touch and go for a while, now a banner year is forecast.

“Word got out and it became massive, where we have probably more donations now than we have had any other year. We don’t need anything at this point, we have tonnes of stuff.”

At one point, Lawrence was lacking clothes for kids to hand out on Sunday, but some strategic posting to Mom-focused social media groups quickly solved his problem.

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“Man those mom’s delivered, we had bags and bags and bags show up. Usually kids are able to pick one outfit, something like that, this year they’ll be able to pick a couple of different outfits to take home.”

Last minute shoe and backpack shopping at Wal-Mart yieled further donations from people in line at the checkout. (submitted photo/Dave Lawrence)

A recent trip to Walmart to collect some last minute supplies using cash donations he’s collected over recent weeks also resulted in more money coming in.

“We had a cart overflowing with kids shoes and backpacks and things and there were some people there who asked jokingly, ‘oh you must have a lot of kids’. I explained (Fresh Start) to them and suddenly they said ‘here’s another $20 for it’.”

Lawrence said the event resonates with everyone, whether people grew up struggling and can relate to not having everything they need or with people who grew up with less concerns and are in a position to donate.

The eight-year history of the event has helped over 900 kids, with Lawrence poised to break the 1,000 mark this year.

Receiving a trim and a load of school supplies is as easy as just showing up.”

“It is really first come, first serve. The only thing we ask is that kids come and read us a story or draw us a picture and you will get a free haircut, you’ll get a free backpack filled with school supplies, you’ll get some clothes, books, comic books to start the school year off in a very awesome way.”

Typically, between 100-120 kids show up, however some past years have seen as many as 250 people through the barber chairs.

Lawrence will share cutting duties with stylist Karly Menzies, and both are looking forward to being kept busy.

The marathon is easily worth it.

“Just talking to them, you can see just how amazing these young kids are. I feel like getting a bit of a leg up, a bit of a boost can only help them in a positive way,” Lawrence said. “

Despite the posted 4:30 p.m. end time, Lawrence said every last kid will be seen.

Backpacks, clothes and school supplies came in thick and fast ahead of this year’s Fresh Start event. (submitted photo/Dave Lawrence)

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