TheBarterBarber

Hello and welcome to the official Barter Barber Give-a-Little page.

We’re headed on a journey to every town in our country, trading haircuts for as little as a story, as much as a meal or even just a place to park our home. A 1971 Bedford ambulance sleeping myself and my rescue dog Bo.

Towing a barbershop. Trading to engage.

WHO IS THE BARTER BARBER?

Sam Dowdall has been barbering for 12 years both provincially and internationally. Previously owning barbershops in Canberra, Australia and Tauranga, New Zealand. He is a keen musician, poet, moustache enthusiast, and philosopher. With crisis training from lifeline confidently under his belt, Sam has recently been featured by the NZ herald for his message and has been a speaker at the knowledge café for the Tauranga youth development team.

His trusty sidekick Bo Don Barber will be along for this journey. Bo is a loved and intelligent rescue dog. He enjoys long walks on the beach, making new friends and is never fussy at dinner time.

CLICK GALLERY at the top of the page to see photos of Sam & Bo on our journey so far.

The Barter Barber is a story of trading skills, goods and most importantly time.

THE PROBLEM. THE VISION.

We have both shocking and an ever increasing suicide rate in our men, specifically in rural New Zealand and something needs to change. We are looking at sharing prevention strategies at a grassroots level, while also exploring everything that the everyday New Zealand guy is doing to focus on the positive of their day to day. “In my experience barbering overseas, no men I have come across have more trouble expressing themselves than here at home, I find that really troubling”. – Sam Dowdall.

Lifesaving counselling for some men is only found in the barber’s chair. So, we’re trading our way around using the skills I have learnt over the years as a barber to open conversation with New Zealanders from all walks of life. We want to hear your stories. My purpose is to raise funds, raise food & raise familiarity with men’s mental health.

THE BARTER BARBER PHILOSOPHY

Time is a resource that cannot be bought, borrowed, saved or multiplied. The journey will be sustainable without the exchange of cash. Trade is the ultimate human equaliser and we value every contribution & human being in the same regard.

THE TRADE IS SIMPLE

What I will trade: haircuts, shaves, a listening ear and a smiling, confident professional quality photograph.

In exchange for: Day to day resources such as food or fuel, unique experiences, a story, something handmade or a smile. Anything you can give.

The trader in turn will receive a multi-platform social media tag with their haircut, including a before and after photo.

With over 100 cuts and shaves (and counting) all preparations thus far have been done using only the principle of trading. From internal, external and restoration work on the Bedford & Barbershop to resources and keeping our wheels moving. The power of the people so far is strong and words cannot express how grateful we are for all the support.

THE LEGACY

Non-essential trades or experiences in the form of vouchers or goods will be auctioned online with all proceeds going towards Lifeline Aotearoa. All non-perishable food will be given to the local food bank. Beyond our travels, a twelve-part documentary series will be cut and distributed featuring the most inspirational, life altering moments of this journey. Doing our best to leave things better than they are.

THE DOCUMENTARY

We are wanting to bring a narrative to an era. We will be recording this entire journey with the goal of producing a Netflix worthy documentary. Whilst travelling we will be recording every shave and every cut using photography, videography and written records. A web series of online documentaries will be produced, region by region, with each media platform following a cohesive narrative.

For the duration of the journey (Approx. 2 years) we will have special people from special places come to spend time with myself and Bo. Local people and their treasures will be there showing us the hidden gems of our beautiful country.

This is where YOU come in...

This is a personal message to my existing amazing supporters, anyone considering donating to my cause and anyone whose life I have touched/changed with my journey so far. I am reaching out to YOU today for help with this project. To restore, rebuild and prepare my soon to be home and to guarantee that our documentary is of the highest quality to show how we as a country have come together to share, trade and openly discuss the health of our men. YOU have an opportunity today to donate even just $1. Because $1 can and will change a life.

I will be updating the page regularly with photos, videos, links to social media, newspaper coverage and other awesome things. My live donors will receive a private glimpse into the ‘Barter Barber’ world via a private instagram page.

HOW WILL MY DONATIONS BE USED?

Sam will be using his current resources to his best ability, making every opportunity count. In order to fulfil this dream we have made a break down of costs below and any surplus raised will be forwarded directly to lifeline or go to those who cannot afford a haircut on the journey.

If you have a personal, business or sponsorship question just tap the 'Ask a question' button at the top of the page. I'm happy to answer any questions you have.

Thank YOU for your time today, We hope to share a story and a smile with you along the way. Sam & Bo - The Barter Barber