In efforts to increase diverse donors in Canada’s stem cell registry, a pop-up barbershop is headed to Square One mall in Mississauga this weekend, in an event by Canadian Blood Services.
The organization is encouraging young men between the ages of 17 and 35 to register to become stem cell donors, since they generally produce more stem cells and can improve recipient outcomes.
Attendees can also meet stem cell recipients and those on the waiting list for a donor at the event.
The goal of the event is to raise awareness about the need for stem cell donors and the lack of diversity in stem cell registries around the world.
“A barber shop is often the place where community is fostered, and trust is built – Canadian Blood Services is recreating that experience with its replica barber shop where individuals can get a haircut or beard trim for free while learning more about stem cell donation and the need for more registrants,” Canadian Blood Services said in a news release.
“Guests will take a seat in the chair of a professional barber to get a trim. If they are ready to become a potential donor, the Canadian Blood Services team will be there to help complete their registration.”
The pop-up barbershop will be held from Feb. 11 to 13 and will be open in the mall’s centre court, where visitors can drop by and receive a free haircut or beard trim.
Nearly 1,000 patients in Canada are waiting for their stem cell transplant and there is a critical need for more stem cell donors from ethnically diverse backgrounds to find a match, according to Canadian Blood Services.
