“I just want to help people”: Hairdresser’s mission to empower communities in need

AN EAST Geelong-based hairdresser is seeking donations to help her change lives, one hair cut at a time.

Sarina Blair, 25, is trying to raise funds to allow her to travel to the Philippines next year with Australian non-profit, Hair Aid.

Established in 2013, the charity sends teams of volunteer hairdressers to various countries to teach local communities living in poverty the skill of cutting hair.

Ms Blair said Hair Aid’s mission was about “so much more” than teaching people to cut hair.

“It’s literally life-changing.

“You’re not only teaching to cut hair, but you’re actually getting people jobs and you’re getting kids to school.”

Hair Aid now runs seven international projects each year across locations that include Thailand, Cambodia and the Philippines.

These projects aim to teach locals the skills needed to start their own businesses, allowing them to start earning money to feed their children, and access clean water, education and housing.

Ms Blair’s first experience with Hair Aid was in 2020 when she travelled to Cambodia.

“The people were absolutely beautiful. We wouldn’t even be able to imagine being in their position.”

“[I worked with] people who were living in poverty, people who were trafficked, and simply people who wanted to expand their skills or learn something new.”

 

When she recently discovered one of the women she had taught in Cambodia had been able to start her own salon, Ms Blair decided to find a way to volunteer with Hair Aid again.

“I had to go back.”

“I thought if I’m in a position to help people, why wouldn’t I?”

However, the costs associated with the project can be prohibitive.

Hair Aid’s volunteers are required to pay for their own flights, as well as the costs required to cover the project, including accommodation, transportation, translator costs and insurance.

Already halfway towards her goal, Ms Blair is hoping the community can help her raise $4,000.

“I’m asking everyone to help me help them,” she said.

“Every cent adds up, every little bit counts.

“You are literally changing lives: sending kids to school, putting food on people’s tables, fresh water and this is all stuff we take fore-granted.”

Hair Aid also collect other necessities to donate to locals during its international projects.

Ms Blair said she would be paying for extra baggage to allow her to take over items that would benefit the locals including sanitary products, toothbrushes, underwear, and toys.

To donate to Ms Blair, head to gofund.me/5159ec8d. For all other item donations, you can contact Ms Blair, and follow her journey, on Instagram @sarinashairaidfundraiser.