The new school term is fast approaching — and the Caines brothers have teamed up with 5 star Barbershop once again for their annual Back 2 School Extravaganza.

Hundreds of children will be able to get a free haircut and school supplies at St Paul’s Centennial Hall, Hamilton, next Tuesday, from 8am to 6pm.

Announcing details at a press conference at the venue today, Deshay Caines, the daughter of Dwayne Caines, said: “We recognise that many families are trying to make ends meet in preparation for the upcoming school year.

“We will provide complimentary haircuts for boys, hair braiding for girls and free school supplies for students between the ages of 5 and 18.

“The theme of the extravaganza this year is ‘You Are Strong’: this is our way of empowering our students to believe that nothing is impossible for them to achieve.”

In recent weeks, charities have warned parents need more help than ever before as they struggle to pay for essential school equipment in a tough economic climate.

On Tuesday, each student will receive a book bag filled with school supplies, with motivational speakers present throughout the day, as well as a DJ and stalls.

Dwayne Caines said: “First of all we recognise that the need is very great in Bermuda but what we understand is that there has to be more collaboration with the helping agencies and the helping community.

“What we’ve seen this year is a lot of individuals doing things but not a coordinated effort to ensure that the needs are truly met.

“So the learning point for us is identifying the needs within the community and working with agencies that already have an active network in the community and working with them to ensure we serve the need.”

Mr Caines said organisers had worked with the Family Centre, the Coalition for the Protection of Children and the Financial Assistance office.

“We liaise with them to ensure that the individuals who have the greatest need will actually be here,” Mr Caines said.

“So our greatest goal next year is to work with individuals in the community, the churches and the other civic organisations. We don’t reinvent the wheel but we ensure that everyone is serviced.

“We’ve had a tremendous growth. Last year we recognised the need of young ladies and that was a new and dynamic initiative spurred by the ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

“This year we don’t expect anything differently. We’ve heard the cries of our community, we’ve put the resources in place and we will see whether or not we have everything to suit the communities needs.”

Michael Chamberlain, owner of 5 Star Barbershop said: “This is the fourth year we’ve come together again to do something good for the community, for the young boys and girls.

“I hope and pray that it will go fine, go smooth just like the past three years. This year we are willing to work with the biggest heart, mind and soul for the community.”

A representative of Sun Life Financial said: “Sun Life Financial International is proud to be apart of the Back 2 School Extravaganza for the second year in a row.

“We are pleased to be able to give out school supplies to 600 children. We understand during these economic times the struggles that families have.

“Our motto is ‘we are building to make a brighter future’ and we do this through helping out in our community in which we work and live in and we embody this pledge in numerous ways whether it is expanding our office in Washington Mall to show our growth locally or sponsoring athletes in the 2015 Island Games.

“Back to School Extravaganza is another positive way that we are showing our way back tot he community and we would like to thank the Caines brothers for allowing us to be apart of this wonderful event.

“Lastly, but most importantly, to our students, we believe in your potential and your future is bright here in Bermuda. We hope you have a wonderful school year.”

Community sponsors include platinum sponsor, Sun Life Financial, Marsh & McLennan Companies, Hiscox Bermuda, Security Associates, The Duke of Edinburgh International Award Bermuda, Sunshine Company, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, St Pauls AME and Especially For You Laundry, Dunkley’s and Bite.bm.

Deshay Caines continued: “We would also like to thank the men and woman who will be offering their time to volunteer their services, such as the barbers and the hairdressers.

“In addition, we’d like to thank the volunteers who will be assisting throughout the day of the event.”