A Taree hairdressing salon closed its doors to the public for four hours while it pampered and gave free haircuts to women from the Taree Women's Refuge and Parramatta Mission in Taree.
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Hairdresser Maria Leanne from Mods and Rockerz Hair Salon put her hand up to help when a call out was made on a Facebook buy/swap/sell page by the Community Hair Project program.
"I just love helping these ladies that come from tough circumstances and make them feel good about themselves. It makes me feel good to do something," said Maria.
"I think it's something I will do every three to six months."
Community Hair Project founder Christine Mastello said there was a waiting list for people in the area and that the program would return to the community every three to six months, depending on the need.
"(The program) wouldn't exist if we didn't have beautiful hairdressers, who give up their time. They talk to them and give a free space where they can sit and feel normal again.
"I swear they were social workers in another life."
Pamper gifts were also distributed to the women and children.
Christine, who manages Southlake foodbanks started the Community Hair Project after an encounter with a woman who had three boys who were due to get their school photos.
She said the boys were excited about the photos but the mum quietly told Christine that they wouldn't be getting their photos because they don't have the money for a haircut or to buy the photos. She never wanted her children to look back and realise they looked poor.
Christine rang a local hairdresser, got the three boys in for a haircut and paid for the photos at school.
"In the next 24 hours the Community Hair Project came about when I realised how many need it and how important it is to come in and get a haircut and walk out of the salon and feel good."
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