A Newmarket barbershop has teamed up with York Regional Police to give back and provide free haircuts to adults with special needs.
Empire Fadez will have about six barbers on staff for the second annual Cuts for Unity event June 26 from 10 a.m. to noon. Members of the police force and Full Access Network Inc. will attend for a fun day of fresh cuts and smiles.
“If you look good, you feel good,” said Zain Malik, owner of Empire Fadez. “I like that concept where you’re talking with the person, showing we’re all human. At Empire Fadez, we make sure the vibes and scenarios are on point so when people walk in, they have a big smile on their face when they walk out.”
The force contacted the barbershop at 140 Mulock Dr. to provide a community engagement program where officers could interact with residents in a relaxing environment.
“Empire Fadez has generously offered to provide free haircuts and wash hair,” said Const. Kamran Malik. “We will be collaborating with them and giving people the opportunity to feel better about themselves. It gives them an opportunity to feel pampered, and it gives us an opportunity to engage with special needs adults in the day program.”
Officers will pick up participants by bus, watch clients have haircuts, and return them to the Full Access Network Centre. The organization provides a day program for individuals 21 years old and older with developmental disabilities in York Region.
“Our youth engagement officers from our community services unit are looking forward to helping out for a day that’s sure to be filled with smiles,” said Const. James Dickson. “We are happy to be able to work with Empire Fadez to be part of such a great cause for a second time. Events like this showcase the generosity and excellent work being done throughout our community. Working with a group such as the Full Access Network is very rewarding for our officers who get to share in the laughs and smiles while the participants get their fresh fades.”
The barbershop has been a part of the community for over a year. It is open to any opportunity to get together, help, and contribute to the community in any way possible.
“It’s more than just a haircut,” said Malik. “People come in, and you don’t know how their day is going. It could be a good or bad one, it doesn’t matter. We make sure to take care of them.”
