Dave Lawrence from That 50s Barbershop in downtown Nanaimo is busy with last minute preparations for his 9th annual Fresh Start campaign, happening on Saturday, Sept. 2 at the Vancouver Island Public Library. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Jordan Davidson

back to school

School supplies and haircuts ready to be handed out thanks to ‘Fresh Start’ program

Aug 30, 2023 | 11:09 AM

NANAIMO — As we enter the last few days of August, one local barbershop owner is putting the finishing touches on a popular campaign to ensure kids go back to class with everything they need.

“Fresh Start” is an annual program run by Dave Lawrence, owner of That 50’s Barbershop, on Victoria Cres., and Saturday, Sept. 2 is the big day for kids to come down to the downtown branch Vancouver Island Regional Library to get supplies they need.

Lawrence spoke to NanaimoNewsNOW on Wednesday, Aug. 30, and said they’ve received a lot of donations of clothes, books, and backpacks, and now they are looking for people to donate their time.

“The biggest thing right now we’re looking for is entertainers. Sometimes kids wait in the lineup for four or five hours. Magicians, musicians, cosplay people, anyone to entertain the kids that would be really cool.”

Kids and their families can head down to the library starting at 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., with backpacks full of supplies ready to be handed out free of charge.

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“Just come on down. If kids can read us a story, draw us a picture, they get a free back-to-school haircut and backpacks, school supplies, clothes, and books.”

Lawrence said they are still collecting donations until Friday, Sept. 1, and right now they are in need of basic school supplies.

He said they already have a room at the library filled with clothes and books ready to go on Saturday, with a goal of about 300 backpacks.

“We’re getting close to that. I think with the money that we have we’ll probably be able to buy enough stuff. I really feel this year, because of the financial crunch everyone seems to be in, that it might be the busiest year yet. Last year was really good, we had about 200 last year, so I’m thinking maybe 300 this year.”

More information on this year’s event, as well as needed donations, is available on their Facebook page.

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