It’s easy to forget there are people who go without on Christmas Day, but this Wagga barber is determined to spread the festive spirit among the disadvantaged.
While most families sit down to a feast on Friday, Barber Jason Lagaali will be putting his scissors to work and visiting the Edel Quinn Homeless Shelter to give the town’s disadvantaged men haircuts.
Mr Lagaali said it’s not just about a trim however, but about giving disadvantaged men a social connection on the special day.
“A lot of these people don't have families, so I want to be that person who will take the time to hear their stories on the day when other people are celebrating with family,” he said.
“I know my family will always be there for me, so I want to give that experience to someone else and make them feel worthwhile.”
As a former rugby player sentenced to 18 months in prison due to alcohol and drugs, Mr Lagaali knows what it’s like to have nothing.
"I’ve experienced what it's like to to be at the bottom and to have to work your way back up again,” he said. “If I can give someone hope that it's possible to chase their dreams and get themselves back on track, then that's great."
Mr Lagaali said it was important to remember the town’s disadvantaged people on days such as Christmas and hopes his volunteer work will influence others to give something back during the festive season.
"I want business around Wagga to realise they can do something for homeless people on Christmas day, because it doesn't take much effort but it makes such a difference just to include them in our community,” he said.
