Students in NC’s Hairstyling program brought their scissors to bear for two good causes in October. Students hosted Cut-a-thons at both campuses on October 10 and 11 in support of United Way and the Student Refugee Program. The two-day event saw 30 Hairstyling students and staff provide haircuts to over 75 clients, raising close to $1,500.
The World University Service of Canada’s Student Refugee Program (SRP) combines resettlement to Canada with access to post-secondary education for young refugees. Students from the SRP do not receive scholarships to study in Canada but are sponsored for one year and receive basic financial and social support from their sponsoring group. This past fall, Niagara College’s School of Trades accepted its first refugee student through the program, and is committed to raising the funds necessary to sponsor the student’s educational journey at Niagara College.
The College is also in the midst of its annual United Way workplace campaign, which last year raised over $40,000.
Joe Abbruscato, program co-ordinator for the Hairstyling and Hairstyling Apprenticeship programs, recognized the importance of instilling a spirit of philanthropy among his students. “Whenever we do events like this, I think there’s a sense of pride for the students knowing their hard work is going to a charitable cause where people are in need and appreciate the financial support,” said Abbruscato.
Happening now at our NOTL campus, the NC Hairstyling Apprentices and Hairstyling Technique students are hosting a Cut-a-Thon beside the Student Union offices from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 💇💇♂️
All proceeds from haircuts and styles will benefit the Student Refugee Program👏#myNCstory pic.twitter.com/axaelsYQGQ
— Niagara College (@niagaracollege) October 10, 2019
“This event was amazing experience and exposure for hair students,” said Shannon Keddy-Gorthy, who is currently in her final term of the Hairstyling program. “We were able to work with all types of hair and because we could see the line growing behind us, we learned how to manage our time while providing quality service to each client.”
The School of Trades would like to acknowledge the effort by staff, students and other departments that helped behind the scenes to ensure the event was a success.
