Dave Lawrence was recently awarded with a King Charles lll Coronation Medal in recognition of his annual Fresh Start campaign. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

Fresh Start

Nanaimo barber recognized for Fresh Start, runner rounds Rotary Bowl track to help raise funds

Aug 11, 2025 | 2:48 PM

NANAIMO — Dave Lawrence’s first year of complimentary haircuts and handing out supplies drew about 75 school-aged kids to his Victoria Crescent shop.

Around 300 kids show up annually now, with Diana Krall Plaza serving as the venue for the popular event happening this year on Sunday, Aug. 17, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., where, in addition to a fresh haircut, backpacks filled with school supplies and clothing are handed out.

Lawrence’s charity work resulted in formal recent recognition of the King Charles III Coronation Medal, issued to Canadians who make significant contributions to society.

“I was very surprised. I don’t really do Fresh Start for any kind of recognition or anything, but it is very nice to have what I do and the hard work I put into it get recognized,” Lawrence told NanaimoNewsNOW.

Fresh Cut has morphed into a significant festival-type event, with multiple organizations assisting the effort, with the plaza being rented out by the Downtown Nanaimo Business Association, with food trucks and entertainment also available.

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Several other Nanaimo hair stylists assist Lawrence during Fresh Start.

Lawrence, 46, said he’s constantly reminded about the impact the Fresh Start movement has made over the years.

Recently, a grandmother at Lawrence’s business, That 50’s Barbershop, recounted the impact Fresh Start had on her during a time in need a few years ago.

Receiving a backpack with clothes and school supply necessities eased the woman’s worries, Lawrence said.

“It’s stories like that I just love to hear, it’s helping people in the community.”

Donations to Lawrence’s Fresh Start initiative can be made online here via CanadaHelps.

Running 24 hours straight for Fresh Start
With temperatures surpassing 30 degrees Celsius, Tim Wilkinson is jogging around the Nanaimo Rotary Bowl track continuously for 24 hours to raise awareness and funds for Fresh Start.

Wilkinson, 53, saw a social media post last year regarding Fresh Start, raising around $1,800 for the cause.

For the Nanaimo baker and fitness enthusiast, Fresh Start and other children-focused non-profit efforts hit close to home for Wilkinson.

“They mean a lot to me because I grew up disadvantaged. I didn’t always have the new clothes every September at the beginning of the school year like most kids did. I didn’t get breakfast all the time,” Wilkinson told NanaimoNewsNOW while rounding the track in the sweltering heat.

Tim Wilkinson and Dave Lawrence at Nanaimo’s Rotary Bowl on Monday, Aug. 11. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Wilkinson started his 24-hour effort on Monday, Aug. 11 at 6 a.m.

He’s getting help from the Nanaimo Track and Field Club, who will turn on the lights on for Wilkinson overnight Monday.

Wilkinson said he’ll be rounding the track continuously, minus occasional refreshment breaks and to change his socks.

He hopes to obtain at least 170 kilometres in distance.

As gruelling as his jogging pledge is, Wilkinson said it’s a small sacrifice when he thinks about the many disadvantaged young people locally requiring support.

“I know how I felt. I don’t want other kids to feel the same way. It emotionally scarred me to where I wanted to help down the road when I had the opportunity and ability to.”

Wilkinson will be joined by a friend/running client to keep him company for 12 hours while rounding the track Monday evening starting at 6 p.m. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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