Dozens were lined up along Victoria Cres. by 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 31 for free school supplies and a spiffy back-to-school haircut. (Spencer Sterritt/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Spencer Sterritt

back to school

Fresh Start initiative sees biggest year ever

Aug 31, 2019 | 5:01 AM

NANAIMO — The most supplies ever donated to the annual community initiative Fresh Start helped hundreds of kids be ready for the first day of school.

Dozens of families lined the block outside That 50’s Barbershop on Victoria Cres. by 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 31 when the barbershop opened. The line remained long throughout the morning.

Inside, kids read to three barbers in exchange for a spiffy haircut to look their best on their first day back from summer break. After the haircut, they went across the street to pickup free school supplies, backpacks and clothing.

Organizer Dave Lawrence told NanaimoNewsNOW this year they received the most donations ever from across the community.

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Adam and his three children, entering Grades two, six and eight, were in line bright and early.

“We’ve been coming for a few years now and it’s awesome,” he said.

“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.”

Adam said they’ve seen the program grow dramatically in the last two years and are always amazed at how long the line is each year.

Nicole was a few spots down the line from Adam, with her kid who’s entering Grade Three.

She said being able to receive a haircut and supplies takes a financial weight from her shoulders but also curbs one of the most anxiety-inducing parts of going back to school.

“It can be stressful, especially when you have a kid with you. Finding everything they need can be a lot…really overwhelming to be bolting around stores getting everything.”

This year money raised by Fresh Start is being donated to parent groups already working hard inside Nanaimo schools to provide supplies for students.

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit