Montreal Teen Launches “Haircuts for Hope” for Ukraine Relief

BREAKING: A Montreal teen is making waves with his heartfelt initiative to support Ukraine during its ongoing crisis. Aleksander Yakimiw-Martin, a 16-year-old barber, has launched “Haircuts for Hope,” dedicating a portion of his earnings to assist war-torn schools in Ukraine.

Just last month, Yakimiw-Martin was inspired to take action after giving a haircut to a Ukrainian refugee at his church. “I wanted to do something personal to help Ukraine, so I’m a barber, so I thought, why not use that skill to do some good?” he shared with CTV News. Now operating out of Dynasty Barbershop in Pointe-Claire, he donates $10 from every haircut to help provide lighting and rebuild educational facilities in Ukraine.

Yakimiw-Martin feels a deep connection to the country, as his family has roots there. “My grandparents are Ukrainian, my parents are Ukrainian. We grew up speaking Ukrainian in our house, and we stayed really close to our heritage,” he explained. He wears a Ukrainian trident necklace—a symbol of resilience—reminding him of the struggles his family faces back home.

His initiative aims to raise $1,000, with hopes that the buzz around his cause will continue to grow. Coworkers, including barbershop manager William Godbout, express pride in Yakimiw-Martin’s dedication. “It’s super cool that he could use his passion and his craft to fund this whole thing and make a real difference in the world,” Godbout remarked.

Clients are thrilled to support the cause while receiving their haircuts. One patron, Kyle Gales, stated, “It’s nice knowing that my money’s going to a good cause.”

As of today, Yakimiw-Martin is actively working to spread the word about “Haircuts for Hope,” aiming to make a lasting impact one haircut at a time. “It gives them the same chance that I have to learn with light and without bombs,” he said.

This initiative not only showcases the power of community support but also highlights how individual skills can contribute to global efforts in crisis situations. Follow Yakimiw-Martin’s journey as he continues to uplift his heritage and give back to those in need.

For those interested in supporting this cause, visit Dynasty Barbershop or follow Yakimiw-Martin’s progress on social media to see how you can help make a difference.