The Caines Brothers and 5 Star Barbershop are again partnering to host their Back 2 School Extravaganza to give students a free haircut before they return to class.

According to spokeswoman Deshay Caines, the fifth annual event is set to take place tomorrow at a new location, the Heritage Worship Centre on Dundonald Street.

“We recognise that many families are trying to make ends meet in preparation for the upcoming school year,” she said. “We will provide free haircuts for boys, braiding for girls and free school supplies for students between the ages of five and 18.

“The theme for the Extravaganza this year is ‘Your Future Starts Now’. This is our way of empowering our students to believe nothing is impossible for them to achieve.”

She thanked the event’s numerous volunteers and sponsors, including Sun Life Financial, Marsh & McLennan Companies, Hiscox Bermuda, Sunshine Company, Especially for you Laundry, Titian Express, Bermuda Longtail Real Estate, Funkins Lunch Bags, Dunkley’s, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.

In addition to the giveaways, the event will boast music, motivational speakers, stalls and games.

“The expenses for school are great and we simply want to assist parents and guardians in meeting their obligations,” she said. “We also want to create an environment for students to feel special and to communicate to them that there are many people in our community who believe in them and care about their development.”

Deshay Caines’s father, Dwayne Caines, said that more than 600 families were aided by last year’s event, adding that this year the need may be even greater.

“Right now, we realise that it is a very difficult time for many Bermudians,” he said. “We have a number of corporations as well as service-minded individuals that recognise that in order for Bermuda to be the best place that it can be, everybody needs to play their part.

“We decided that rather than sit on the sidelines and complain, we must partner with people who are equally committed to Bermuda to make a small difference.”

He urged anyone who wants to make a positive impact on the island to find a way to do so, putting their thoughts into action.

While the event has in past years been held at St Paul’s Centennial Hall, Mr Caines said the decision to move the event came because of air conditioning challenges at the site.

A spokesman for Sun Life Financial International, one of the event’s sponsors, said the company are pleased to be able to help hundreds of students and families by donating school supplies.

“The Back 2 School Extravaganza is another wonderful opportunity to make a positive impact in Bermuda, and Sun Life would like to thank the Caines brothers for allowing us to be a part of this tremendous event,” he said. “And to the students, we believe in your potential as the future of Bermuda and wish you a wonderful year ahead.”

Doors are set to open at 8am, with the event continuing until 5pm.