Community Kawartha Lakes Weekly
Andy Barder knew when he recently opened The Barder Shop in downtown Lindsay that he wanted to give back to the community in some way.
“I’m one of those kids that left school, left home, left my environment and lived in a homeless shelter. I remember if you did chores, you got four dollars a day allowance. I saved up my chore allowance to come up with first month’s rent,” Barder said.
One memory that resonates with him from that time was when a fellow resident saved up his allowance and bought the whole shelter pizza. Barder said people were grabbing three or four slices without saying thank you. When Barder asked the man why he purchased the pizza for everyone he simply said, “I just didn’t want to eat by myself.”
That moment stuck with Barder and is part of what inspired him to want to help those who are in need – just like he once was. “Anytime a homeless person asks me for money, I don’t give them money. I’d rather buy them a sandwich or something,” and in this case, he is giving them haircuts.
What started as an idea for free haircuts and pizza at A Place Called Home recently quickly spread to a full-fledged community event, with other businesses being quick to join the cause. “It’s kind of snowballed into a bigger thing,” Barder said. Amanda Moorhead from Olive and Fig donated cake, AJ Nobrega from Seriously Coffee brought the caffeine and Greg Andrews of Formerly Tony’s arrived with pizza.
Barder was surprised by the amount of people who signed up to receive a free cut, but shelter manager Nicole Bryant knew how much residents would appreciate this opportunity. “Haircuts cost money – it’s a luxury. This is a great boost for all the folks living here,” she said.
One woman, who is homeless and wished to remain anonymous, said that haircuts are something that many don’t think of as a need, but it was just “nice to have something different.”
As she walked into the kitchen area to enjoy some food and coffee after, everyone in the room took a good look at her new style and paid her many compliments.
Bryant is thankful that Barder and the other businesses put this event on. “I think it’s wonderful when other local community-based entities want to come and give us a hand and do some stuff for the folks that are living here,” she said.
Barder is glad the day went well and that he was able to help. The reward for him is seeing smiles on residents faces. “It was just to do something nice. Having them appreciate the day and that they now have a different (hair) style.”