Haircuts for Hope

Haircuts for Hope: St. Thomas Student Uses His Skills to Support Schools in Ukraine

by Marilyn Santucci

For Aleksander, a Grade 10 student at St. Thomas High School, a simple haircut turned into something much more—a way to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Aleksander grew up in Pointe-Claire and is proud of his Ukrainian roots. At home, he and his three brothers—Philip, Julian, and Danylo—speak Ukrainian and remain closely connected to their culture. He also serves as an altar boy at the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of St. George in Lachine, where the idea for his project first began.

“One day I gave a free haircut to a young Ukrainian refugee who had just arrived in Montreal. That moment made me think about how I could use my skills to help even more people,” Aleksander shared.

With family still in Ukraine and the impact of the war weighing heavily on him, Aleksander launched Haircuts for Hope, a personal fundraising initiative to support the rebuilding of schools in Ukraine. Partnering with United24—Ukraine’s official fundraising platform—he chose to support the education fund, with a personal goal of raising $1,000 by August 31, 2025.

“I chose education because I kept thinking about kids trying to learn in bomb shelters or in schools that had been destroyed. I wanted to do something to help give them a chance to learn in a safe place again,” he said.

Aleksander discovered his love for barbering last year through an after-school program at St. Thomas, in partnership with “Quality Cuts” in Pierrefonds. After completing the course, he pursued additional certifications and now works part-time at Dynasty Barber Shop in Pointe-Claire.

At school, Aleksander was donating 100% of the proceeds from each haircut to the fundraiser. But due to limited time and availability, he extended the project into the summer. Now, while working at the shop, he continues to donate $10 from each haircut toward his goal.

“The school was really supportive in helping me get started, and I’m grateful for that,” he said. “It meant a lot that the staff and principal believed in the idea.”

In the future, Aleksander hopes to involve his brothers in fundraising efforts as well. He also plans to continue barbering part-time while in CEGEP, balancing his craft with his studies.

His message to the LBPSB community? “You don’t have to wait until you’re older to make a difference. If you have a skill, use it. Even small actions can help. I’m thankful for everyone who has supported Haircuts for Hope so far—every bit truly makes a difference.”