News & Events
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Thank you to Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment for spotlighting us and highlighting the wonderful work we do in the community!
2023 - 07 - 18
GLOBL JAM 2023
Our GLOBL JAM activation was an astounding success!
At Canada Basketball’s GLOBL JAM tournament, the Bartley Skills Development Program had the opportunity to host an activation where we gave out free haircuts to fans all week. At BSD, we understand the transformative effects that a haircut can have on self-esteem. Being able to see that glimmer of confidence over and over again after every cut is what made this event so worthwhile.
We're so pleased to share that we not only hosted a phenomenal event, but also had the privilege of forging numerous connections with people who are genuinely interested in our programs. Through this event, we raised vital funds and had the chance to engage in meaningful conversations with countless enthusiasts who share our passion.
2023 - 08 - 02
JAYS CAMP
In late July, BSD seized the opportunity to host a free baseball training program in Brampton, made possible through the generous support of the Jays Care Foundation. This week-long camp unfolded as a profoundly heartening experience, shaping lasting memories for both athletes and coaches involved.
This week, we had the chance to watch children who had never stepped foot onto a baseball field before as they cultivated newfound self-assurance, forged connections with their peers, and reveled in the adventure of summer camp was truly invaluable. We stand humbled by our role in granting access to an experience that might otherwise have remained beyond reach, empowering young minds through the very essence of the sport.
The significance of sports for children cannot be overstated. The friendship and spirit inherent in team sports has the capacity to profoundly transform a child, bolstering their self-esteem and facilitating connections with their peers. Amid the array of athletes who participated this week, one individual stood out vividly: Alex.
Aged eight, Alex is. a bubbly and energetic young girl. Upon joining our JaysCare camp, she admitted she was very nervous to try out baseball for the first time, fueled by a fear of failure. Through unwavering dedication to practice and an outpouring of encouragement, Alex remarkably advanced to batting without the assistance of a tee, navigating multiple bases with finesse, and even contributing strikeouts against opposing teams. Her self-assurance underwent a remarkable ascent throughout our week together.
It is the kind of transformation shown by young people like Alex that makes our work at BSD so fulfilling. Making connections with young minds and equipping them with the tools to pave a path toward future success remains the pinnacle of our goals.
2023- 08 - 02
BARBERING CAMP
During the month of July, BSD took the initiative to host a comprehensive week-long "Beyond Barbering" session in the vibrant locale of Brampton. This endeavor was aimed at not only introducing but also igniting the aspirations of high school students, propelling them towards the exciting realm of barbering as a potential career path.
Our carefully curated barbering camp served as an illuminating portal for an eager group of young students. They delved into the intricacies of the barbering craft, acquiring skills that extended far beyond the technicalities of cutting hair and ventured out into professionalism, entrepreneurship, and customer service. As their proficiency in the art of barbering grew, so too did their self-assurance. The camp laid a firm groundwork for these young barbers to build a promising path toward a career post-graduation.
The happiness we feel knowing that we helped these young people discover their passions is beyond measure. Seeing them learn new skills and get excited about their future goals makes us very proud. As they leave our camp, they take with them not just the skills to be great barbers, but also a new sense of purpose that will help them as they move forward in their lives. This is why our mission is more than just teaching – it's about making big changes and supporting them on their way to success.
2022-07-08
GloblJam 2022 Canada Basketball
My name is Samantha M., and I'm both a Program Coordinator and a Junior Hair Stylist at the Bartley Skills Development Program. A great opportunity was given to me as a braider to attend the GloblJam event in Toronto, Ontario under the ChairLinks initiative.
The ChairLinks platform is an initiative working to create remote work opportunities for beauty professionals using vacant inventory in existing salons and barbershops.
This event was a big success, exceeding all expectations as Canada's International Basketball Showcase. Canada Basketball, Shea Moisture, and GloblJam provided a unique opportunity for Chairlinks to meet others with similar goals, introduce ourselves to the community, and showcase what makes us unique and necessary. It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to spread love through complimentary hair services to the community, as well as to the athletes who came from all over the world play for their countries. From seeing the surprise when individuals heard that they would be treated for absolutely nothing but 15 minutes of their time, to the smiles and the acts of gratitude across the community, was inspiring to say the least. This demonstrated the necessity of the work that we do here at Bartley Skills Development Program in the neighbourhoods which we live and love.
Providing free services is an intimate act.
This, is how I say “I care about my city”.