Barber brings free cuts to encampment
By: Julia Simmons
A local barber is putting his skills to work for people in need through a partnership that brought free haircuts directly to Stratford’s homeless encampment.
Manpreet Sharma, owner of Man Fadez Barber Shop, and his brother-in-law and co-worker Rahul Kumar recently set up their barbering equipment at the encampment, working with Geza Wordofa of the Multicultural Association of Huron Perth to offer haircuts at no charge.
For Sharma, who has lived in Canada for six years, the idea grew from seeing people experiencing homelessness in Stratford and recognizing barbering as one way he could give back to a community he said has supported him.
“I love the Stratford community. They are very good people and supportive,” Sharma said. “One day I saw a couple homeless people, and they had long hair. I was thinking, why not give free haircuts? They deserve good-looking hair.”
Sharma recalled a man experiencing homelessness who had previously come into his shop at 126 Downie St. after sleeping nearby and explained that he needed a haircut but could not afford one.
“We don’t charge anything for people like that,” Sharma said. “He sat in my chair, I did his haircut and he was very happy.”
That willingness to help extends beyond the encampment. Sharma said newcomers, families with children and others experiencing financial hardship can come into his shop and receive a haircut even when they cannot afford one, located at 126 Downie St.
Wordofa said partnerships with local businesses are an important part of supporting people in the community, including newcomers and those experiencing homelessness.
“It’s very, very important to look after our people,” Wordofa said. “At the end of the day, it’s all our people.”
Stratford resident Mohamad Kaid, who works alongside Wordofa to support newcomers and people in need, said he visits the encampment several times a week and welcomed Sharma’s contribution.
“It’s fantastic what he’s been doing because he’s doing it for free for everyone here,” Kaid said. “It is always good to give and help.”
The visit marked Sharma’s first time bringing his barbering services to the encampment, but he said he hopes it will continue. Wordofa also spoke about continuing to work with Sharma through the multicultural association to connect his services with people who could benefit.
“We come here and do a good job,” Sharma said. “Next time, we can come again with more opportunity to help.”
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