A free day of haircuts, along with food and entertainment, will be held in Ashburton town centre this month as a mental health fundraiser.
JGT Barber on East St has organised Hair 4 Care Day, on April 28, as the business comes up to its one-year anniversary.
Eight barbers, including some of Christchurch’s best, from 1855 Barbershop, will be cutting hair for free and taking donations for mental health.
JGT owner Jadah George-Tarawa said he was grateful for donations of food from a number of organisations for the event. There would be face painting and live music provided by Ashburton singer and guitarist Tom Taukamo.
George-Tarawa said he had come up with the idea of holding the day as he came up to his business’s one-year anniversary.
‘‘I first wanted to do it because a lot of families can’t afford to get their kids hair cuts. Then I thought might as well do some sort of donation to mental health,’’ the former youth worker said.
He himself had suffered loss as a friend close to him died of suicide.
He said the donations would go to, I AM HOPE, who did a good job of being there for people to talk about troubles they may be having.
He also hoped by holding the day, it would raise awareness of mental health.
‘‘Hopefully this can help people reach out and talk to others in times…