Ottawa barber offering free haircuts to refugees

A barber who was touched by an act of kindness on his first day in Ottawa after escaping Iraq is offering free haircuts to refugees fleeing the Middle East.

Ali Sultan, owner of Opus Barber Shop on Bank Street, left Baghdad in 1994, eventually settling on Ottawa in 1998 as his new home

"I saw there was no future there anymore. I left Iraq and wanted to start a new life," he said.

When Sultan arrived at the train station, his taxi driver offered to help him find a place to live.

"I [felt] like I was safe, I was home," he said. "It was a hard beginning but it was good."

Now he's trying to pass on that kindness to other newcomers. Sultan says when it comes to refugees affected by the crises in Syria, he'll offer free haircuts to as many refugees as he can.

"I was waiting for any chance to do any offer," Sultan said.

Rebecca Sandiford's son gets his haircut at Opus. She said Sultan didn't even hesitate when she broached the idea.

"I thought of all the things that people need...When they've been living in such an undignified situation for so long that's so inhumane what are the things that remind people of their own dignity and that they're in a safer place now?" she said.​ 

"One of the things [Sultan] said to me, that was no surprise to me, was 'I hope that they don't get the impression that I'm doing this just because I'm also from the Middle East. I would do this for anyone in this level of need."

Doug Small lives in the area and is helping to sponsor a refugee family. He also spends time in Ali's barber chair.

"Ali is a really generous guy. He's an integral part of the community," said Small. "You give what you can give and provide what you can provide. Especially if you have growing boys, hair grows fast at that age."

And that taxi driver who stepped in on Sultan's first day in Ottawa? Years later they're still in touch.

"This is my way and this is my nature to help," he said. "I like to help."