Coronavirus: Davidson Campaign Seeks To Help Raefords Barber Shop

DAVIDSON, NC — A Davidson resident has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help four local barbers who have been forced to temporarily shut their shop on Main Street during the ongoing social distancing orders in North Carolina.

Last month, Gov. Roy Cooper signed the executive order, which went into effect March 25, that restricted mass gatherings and forced businesses considered non-essential, such as hair salons, barbers, massage therapists, gyms and movie theaters, to close through May 15.

"Raefords Barber Shop is an institution in the town of Davidson," said Ken Burnette, who organized the GoFundMe campaign. "The shut down of 'non-essential' businesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic has put that institution in jeopardy. If you are a regular customer, or have only been there a time or two, you know that Ron, Quentin, Thomas ("Tee") and Tim work hard, provide great service and brighten everyones day with their spirited conversations."

According to Burnette, all the money raised through the campaign will go directly to the four barbers equally. As of Tuesday afternoon, the campaign had raised $5,211 towards a $20,000 goal since its creation April 5.

"We don't know when they will be able to get back to work, and since they are self-employed, they also carry the burden of paying out of pocket for health insurance, trying to save for retirement without the luxury of a match on retirement funds, etc," Burnette said.

The campaign is one of several local grassroots efforts to help area workers amid the current stay-at-home orders.

A fundraising campaign in Huntersville recently launched to feed first responders in Lake Norman while also putting struggling area restaurants back to work.

Another campaign was set up to give residents a way to directly support area service industry workers financially impacted by the novel coronavirus pandemic —by leaving them a tip in a "virtual tip jar."

As of April 21, there were at least 6,951 people in North Carolina confirmed to have COVID-19, and at least 213 residents have died, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services said.

To donate to the Raefords Barber Shop GoFundMe campaign, click here.

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