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Anthony CymerysHairdresser who gives free haircuts to homeless people
Country:
 Great Britain |
Content:
- A Hairdresser who Cuts Hair for Free
- A Personal Mission
- Joe the Barber
- A Veteran's Advocate
- A Challenging Setback
- A Renewed Permission
A Hairdresser who Cuts Hair for Free
Anthony Cymerys, an 82-year-old hairdresser, has been cutting the hair of homeless and poor people for free for the past 25 years. Instead of receiving payment, he only asks for hugs in return. Every Wednesday, he sets up his hairdressing chair and tools in Bushnell Park in Hartford, Connecticut. While he cuts hair, his friends distribute food to those in need. Anthony is well known in Hartford for his selfless acts of kindness.
A Personal Mission
Anthony began cutting people's hair in 1988 when he volunteered at a homeless shelter. His first client was a heroin addict named Arnold, who looked extremely unkempt. Anthony was reminded of his father cutting his hair when he was a child and decided to pick up the scissors. Since then, he has devoted himself to helping people who cannot afford haircuts.
Joe the Barber
In Hartford, Anthony is affectionately known as Joe the Barber. Despite his refusal to accept payment for his services, he has gained a loyal clientele. One of his regular clients, Jose Johnson, has been getting his hair cut by Joe for 20 years and has become a close friend.
A Veteran's Advocate
Anthony's passion for helping the homeless was ignited when he realized that approximately 20% of the homeless population are veterans. As a former military man himself, having served in the army for two years in 1954, he felt a personal connection to their struggles. He embarked on a mission to find ways to assist these individuals in any way he could.
A Challenging Setback
Recently, Anthony faced a setback when the police banned him from cutting hair in the park. The authorities cited concerns about sanitation and the lack of a hairdressing license. Anthony, however, argued that he had been cutting hair for a quarter of a century without any incidents of unsanitary conditions or harm caused. Ironically, the city had awarded him for his contributions the previous year.
A Renewed Permission
Fortunately, the unpleasant incident was resolved when the mayor of the city, Pedro Segarra, granted Anthony a special permit to continue his work. The mayor's press secretary officially announced the decision, and the city authorities promised to assist Anthony in obtaining a hairdressing license. All he needed to do was submit an official request and complete the necessary formalities.
