Aug. 25 is the second edition of 4 the Hood. The back-to-school event offers free haircuts and school supplies to young people at Chalet Kent, a youth centre in Côte-des-Neiges.

Organizer Geoffrey "Gonz" Gonzales is the owner of La Section Barbershop. He says last year’s event was a way to give back to his neighbourhood.

“I know what it was like not having enough money, cutting my own hair.”

Last year, they gave around 200 haircuts. This year, they’ll have 30 barbers and braiders on site. They’re encouraging young people from around the city to turn up, and leave looking fresh and ready for school.

For those looking to take part, salons in the neighbourhood are accepting donations of school supplies in anticipation of Friday’s event.

Gonz is also encouraging Montrealers to come out, even if they’re too old for a haircut.

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