Haliburton resident and hairstylist Sharon Heilemann is offering free haircuts for people who come to her with a proof of a $25 donation to the Haliburton hospital. Her fundraising initiative started in June. /DARREN LUM Staff By Darren Lum
Sharon Heilemann of Hair by Sharon is giving back to Haliburton’s health care system the best way she can with her skills and passion as a hairstylist.
In the business since 1984 based in Holland Landing Heilemann’s heart belongs to the Highlands where she has cottaged since the 1970s.
She said she feels a deep sense of gratitude for the health professionals and the hospital that added years to her parents’ lives – her father had his life saved twice.
For this reason she’s opened a space at her Wigamog Road residence offering haircuts to anyone who has proof of making a $25 donation to the Haliburton hospital. With the pandemic she said the money will additionally help front-line workers with their efforts.
Her goal is to raise $10000 and so far has had 30 people donate.
“I don’t think we’ll get to $10000 but it’s worth a shot and who knows I might continue after that” she said.
Haliburton Highlands Health Services Foundation executive director Lisa Tompkins welcomed the effort and said it demonstrates the giving nature of the community.
“We’re so fortunate to have the generosity of so many members of the community and we’re … so appreciative too with the creativity and the initiatives that people take to create these opportunities” she said.
“[It’s] really such a lovely gesture. It’s an indication of the generosity we see so often in this community” Tompkins said.
Other community fundraising efforts for HHHSF include the current Todd’s Independent Grocer’s annual Ask at the Till fundraiser for new capital equipment ACM Designs’ virtual fundraiser and in May yoga instructor Gail Holness raised funds for HHHSF through online classes.
These kinds of efforts are important for the foundation because it helps to generate income that was lost to the pandemic such as the cancellation of the annual Matt Duchene Golf Classic.
“We’re very grateful for all these kinds of efforts that will help to contribute what we’re trying to raise over the course of the year” Tomkins said.
To arrange an appointment to have your hair cut by Heilemann call 905-713-4652.
