Give and You Shall Receive

Just yesterday, I was editing a superb story by our past intern, Meredith Turley, about salons across the country that have taken the current economic crisis and put a hopeful spin on it by offering free or discounted services to the recently unemployed. Some salons are getting especially creative, and though I can't divulge the details of Meredith's piece (it is slated to appear in Launchpad's August 2009 issue—keep your eyes peeled!), I can share with you this little ditty I came across on WWD.com:

In advance of Father’s Day on Sunday, barbershop Reamir & Co. will give out free haircuts and hair care products during the week at the firm’s 251 East 57th Street location to fathers who have lost their jobs due to the economic downturn.

Plans call for free haircuts to be given to the first 100 men who show up to the salon today and Wednesday. On Thursday, Friday and Saturday, free bottles of shampoo, conditioner and gel are to be given to the first 100 out-of-work fathers who come into the store.



Each of the hair products is valued at more than $37, according to the firm.



Arthur Rubinoff, owner of Reamir & Co., said: “I came to the United States from the former Soviet Union as a young boy and saw firsthand how people suffer from economic cutbacks. It has always given me pleasure to help other people.”

This is a fabulous idea to get the men of your community back on their feet!

What are you doing for your community? Share your ideas in the comments section!

—Karie L. Frost