76-year-old gives free haircuts to those in need
2023-03-06 19:03:55
By Ma Yuhan, Yichang International Communication Studio
Over the past six years, 76 year-old Xu Tingrong from Wujiagang District has given free haircuts to more than 1,600 people facing various challenges.
The idea came to him in 2017 after he saw a mother struggling to push her polio-stricken son on a wheelchair on their way to a haircut.
After learning that mobility issues made it difficult for many elderly people in the community to get a proper haircut, Xu decided it was time to grab his scissors.
"When I was in the army, my comrades and I would cut each other’s hair. But a good haircut requires learning and effort," Xu said. At the age of 70, he went to a nearby barbershop to become an apprentice. It took him a couple of months to “graduate”.
In May 2017, with the support of the community, Xu opened his Veteran Barber Shop, offering free haircuts to vulnerable people. He goes to the homes of those with walking difficulties and cuts their hair for free.
Despite his age, Xu is always on call. Cutting hair is tiring, but he likes to feel useful and enjoys seeing the smiles on his “clients’” faces.
To date, the indefatigable Xu has given nearly 1,600 free haircuts, including more than 400 haircuts in people’s homes.
Over the past six years, 76 year-old Xu Tingrong from Wujiagang District has given free haircuts to more than 1,600 people facing various challenges.
The idea came to him in 2017 after he saw a mother struggling to push her polio-stricken son on a wheelchair on their way to a haircut.
After learning that mobility issues made it difficult for many elderly people in the community to get a proper haircut, Xu decided it was time to grab his scissors.
"When I was in the army, my comrades and I would cut each other’s hair. But a good haircut requires learning and effort," Xu said. At the age of 70, he went to a nearby barbershop to become an apprentice. It took him a couple of months to “graduate”.
In May 2017, with the support of the community, Xu opened his Veteran Barber Shop, offering free haircuts to vulnerable people. He goes to the homes of those with walking difficulties and cuts their hair for free.
Despite his age, Xu is always on call. Cutting hair is tiring, but he likes to feel useful and enjoys seeing the smiles on his “clients’” faces.
To date, the indefatigable Xu has given nearly 1,600 free haircuts, including more than 400 haircuts in people’s homes.
Xu Tingrong offers free haircuts to an elderly ‘customer’.
