A salon based near downtown Victoria hopes to continue being a vital part of the local community by providing for free haircuts to those living in poverty and in difficult financial circumstances.

After more than 20 years of cutting hair, Jamie McCallum opened Community Salons in 2021, pioneering a new business model with the goal of providing free haircuts to those who can91裸聊视频檛 afford a standard barbershop or salon.

The Meares Street salon started by taking a contribution from paying clients instead of taking tips, which McCallum would then use to give free haircuts to others, no questions asked.

91裸聊视频淚t started like I would take a contribution from the client, and then I would match that. And then that would pay for somebody91裸聊视频檚 haircut,91裸聊视频� said McCallum. 91裸聊视频淚 wanted something for community to come together, like all walks of life, sort of together.91裸聊视频�

Nowadays, he tries to fit around three free haircuts every week 91裸聊视频� depending on his schedule 91裸聊视频� for those who ask. He estimated he91裸聊视频檚 given more than 400 free haircuts in the three years the shop has been open.

91裸聊视频淚 oftentimes do it out of frustration,91裸聊视频� he said. 91裸聊视频淚91裸聊视频檒l see what91裸聊视频檚 happening and what we91裸聊视频檙e doing is not working right. It91裸聊视频檚 [really] sad, like how apathetic we are to somebody91裸聊视频檚 overdose on the street.91裸聊视频�

Although his funding model has its flaws and the program has been taken advantage of in the past, he continues to tweak his business so he can live comfortably and continue contributing to his community.

91裸聊视频淚t91裸聊视频檚 not been easy and I worry, like, how sustainable is this?91裸聊视频� he said. 91裸聊视频淸Some clients are] living in their van, or people who have somebody touch them for the first time or have hot water in their hair, a handful have gotten out of abusive relationships and hadn91裸聊视频檛 had access to these services before but now they do, and those are really worth it.91裸聊视频�

He has met other business owners, like a dentist and a naturopath, who have adopted similar programs that were based off what Community Salons was doing. He also works with other businesses and non-profit organizations, providing his services to help with community fundraisers and events.

Currently, McCallum is in the process of creating an affordable, online hair-styling course and he also hopes to work with other stylists to teach styling in the city at an affordable price due to the high prices of established barber and stylist schools.

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