Shear success: hair styling students volunteer time, skills for Cheer Board

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This article was published 29/11/2022 (757 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Marlene Jolicoeur sits in a hairstylist’s chair at the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology’s Henlow Bay campus. Looking in the mirror, she starts grabbing her hair, exposing the discoloured roots.

A regular at the south Winnipeg school’s salon, on Wednesday, Jolicoeur was also one of the clients at its annual cut-a-thon fundraiser for the Christmas Cheer Board.

Twenty hairstyling students offered the public cheaper rates on services while passing on all proceeds to the annual holiday charity.

“I’ve been coming for 10 years,” Jolicoeur said. “I come for the students. It’s a great way for them to learn, but today, it’s a great cause.”

Student stylist Betty Lakew, 25, stirs a colour combination of natural and ash blond for Jolicoeur, after consulting with program instructor Mary Elliott.

Sometimes, services at MITT can take twice as long, because students are doing everything step by step, Elliott said. “It’s always usually a good experience for all clients, and the students love it.”

Elliott established the program’s annual Cheer Board event 18 years ago, a legacy she hopes students bring into future salons where they work.

“I think that’s important to pass on to the students that it’s not always about the financial part, it’s about maybe offering your services,” she said. “It’s about the spirit of giving.

“It’s always about the kids and families — and you want them to enjoy Christmas as much as we do.”

Lakew said, after graduating from the program in December, she wants to continue giving back to the community, donating her time and services.

“People who can’t afford haircuts or colours or just like regular maintenance,” Lakew said. “It’s nice to help people doing like this type of stuff.”

On Wednesday, students had a full afternoon, with 18 appointments — all ages and all aspects of hair goals.

“There are lots of retired clients,” Elliott said. “We’ve done a lot of perms.”

Luke Chafe, 24, was looking forward to the work.

“We haven’t had a super busy day like this all year. So, we finally get to showcase all of our skills,” Chafe said. “And, if we get to give back to the community, and make it a super fun and wholesome charity event, that’s a win-win.”

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