It is often the smallest gestures, those that do not cost money, but above all time, which are the most appreciated and which have the most impact. This is especially true during this holiday season when the tree is not as decorated from one household to another.
It is with this philosophy in mind that the owner of “Le barbare viking – Barbershop” in Rivière-du-Loup wanted to make a little difference. In his salon on rue Lafontaine, the man nicknamed Bob by his loved ones will devote one day of his time, on December 23, to caring for people in need. He will offer them a free haircut as New Year's Eve approaches.
The initiative was explained and detailed in a short video published on the young company's Facebook page on December 12. In just a few hours, the post was shared a hundred times. Viewings (more than 20,000 to date) and messages of encouragement have multiplied.
“It happened very quickly, but I also had to expect it. There are a lot of people who are having difficulties. Everything is expensive and it affects morale, it brings stress,” shares the man who counts on the help of his partner and accomplice Sabrina, herself the owner of the company Freya Tattoo. “It also shows that people are looking for positivity, good news, good deeds…”
This is the second year that Bob, whose real name is Bobby Ouellette, has decided to put forward this very special initiative. Last year, less than a year after opening his barbershop, his project made less noise, but it nevertheless had a significant impact. So much so that the entrepreneur never hesitated to repeat the experience in 2024.
“We see that it feels good, that it warms the heart […] With everything that's going on right now [au niveau de l’inflation]people are very grateful. It also makes me happy to give to the community,” he emphasizes.
He points out that haircuts aren't always a priority when finances are tight. However, this small service will have the effect of a balm on the confidence and esteem of several people, he is convinced.
This year, Bob estimates that around twenty people, young and old – sometimes even father and son duos – will pass by his barber chair. The places, limited, are already all filled, he confides. The entire process took place anonymously. After all, everyone’s identities and stories are not important.
“When they come and sit here, it’s without judgment,” he explains. “We keep smiling, we put on good music, the songs they prefer. We try to bring a little positivity into their day.”
To add to the celebration, the children who come to visit them will not leave empty-handed either. “We’re going to make gift bags. There will be surprises, little things to nibble on. We will try to spoil the children who will come,” says Sabrina.
As a good deed rarely comes alone, the couple also collected donations for the Maison de la famille du Grand-Portage throughout the year. He recently presented a check for more than $600 to the Louperi organization. “Our customers are very generous. It's teamwork. We thank them for their generosity,” said the duo.
Bob and Sabrina want to make a “small difference” in their community. They are also delighted to see that more and more small businesses are taking concrete and positive actions to provide services to people in need. The initiatives of the Brulerie Ange et Démons, for example, are good examples in Rivière-du-Loup.
“Sometimes, we just need to see what is being done elsewhere to be inspired in our turn,” they believe.
Paying it forward doesn't have to be complicated. Here is the proof.
