LOCAL NEWS

Ogden Man Offers Homeless Holiday Hope Through Haircuts

Dec 23, 2019, 10:31 PM

OGDEN, Utah — Sometimes inspiration strikes in the most unlikely of places.

For Malcolm Golding, the idea for the perfect holiday gift hit last week while he was going under the scissors at Blades Up Barbershop at Newgate Mall.

“Basically, I came in and had a haircut because I hadn’t in quite some time,” Golding recalled. “I turned around in the chair and (the barber) was telling me a story about how he got involved in cutting hair, and it made me think if he could make me feel that good with a haircut when I turn around, why can’t I repackage that and dish it out!”

Soon, Golding pitched barber Quincy Veazey on a plan to ‘pay it forward’ with haircuts for the homeless.

“This is only something that is going to be contagious and grow into something better and good for everybody,” Golding said Monday, after he and some of his friends transported 10 homeless people from the Ogden Rescue Mission to the barbershop.

While haircuts might not solve homelessness, Golding said he experienced firsthand how losing some locks could help lighten one’s load.

“I’m kind of in the same situation as someone who is homeless,” Golding said. “I battled drug addiction throughout high school, I had a stint that I went to prison.”

Golding attributes encouragement from his Adult Probation and Parole agents in his attempt to break the cycle and put his life on the right path by having “a good day every day.”

“I think hope is a key element in trying to step forward or step out of the norm in the box, I guess, you would put yourself in,” Golding said.

Not only did Golding pool money for the haircuts, he soon enlisted the help of his parents, friends and even businesses to contribute supplies and gift cards and furnish a meal for the homeless.

“He’s a boss, a good dude—it’s pretty dope,” Veazey said. “In a short time, too, he made it all happen. It surprised me. I didn’t expect it to be like this and it went through. Malcolm’s the man, for sure!”

Father John Golding embraced his son at Monday’s event, which Malcolm titled ‘Haircuts for Hope.’

“It’s been a huge, inspiring episode for me and my wife to see how people that care can make the difference for anybody,” the father said. “I just knew when he went this side that he wouldn’t be bad and that—through this whole scenario—lets me know to never give up on anybody or where they may be that, with the power from our Creator, they’ll make it back, and that should inspire anybody to never, ever give up.”

Many of those who received haircuts smiled and expressed gratitude for the kindness of others.

Golding said as he finds himself on his journey, he was grateful to help others find hope this holiday season.

“I get something from seeing an idea transpire and grow into something other than money,” Golding said. “It shows the goodness that there is. Regardless of what my position is or what my circumstances are, I can still be a good person. It doesn’t cost anything.”

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

Noah McArthur (left) in the hospital with his mother, Christine Sara (right) (Courtesy: Christine S...

Emma Benson

Local school district making changes after 3 students hit in crosswalks

After three teenagers were hit by a car in the last year, Wasatch School District is implementing new safety features on their city's streets.

16 minutes ago

An artemia shrimp in a tank. (KSL TV)...

Jeff Dahdah, KSL TV

Great Salt Lake preservation key for global food security

A valuable food resource that supplies the world, could disappear with the Great Salt Lake if water levels are not maintained.

52 minutes ago

Brighton Ski Resort (Mark Less, KSL TV)...

Alex Cabrero

Utah’s fastest lift opens at Brighton Resort

This lift is all about speed. It brings 2,400 people up to the top each hour. That's a thousand more than the old Crest lift.

1 hour ago

Blair Barfuss, the new Riverton Police chief. (The City of Riverton)...

Eliza Pace

Riverton Police Chief leaves office

Police Chief Blair Barfuss with the Riverton Police Department is no longer the Police Chief according to Riverton City. 

2 hours ago

Attorney General Sean Reyes...

Suzanne Bates, Deseret News

Utah AG Sean Reyes announces he will not run for reelection, says he believes women who have accused Tim Ballard

Reyes said he ‘apologized’ to the women that his relationship with Ballard made them feel ‘powerless and without a voice to fight back’

3 hours ago

The new 200 South with new bike lanes, bus islands, and curb extensions. (KSL TV)...

Katija Stjepovic

Plans announced for 200 South Reconstruction Project

As Utah grows, more people rely on public transit, forcing officials to add more routes and pedestrian safety features to the state's roads.

4 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Users display warnings about the use of artificial intelligence (AI), access to malicious software ...

Les Olson

How to Stay Safe from Cybersecurity Threats

Read our tips for reading for how to respond to rising cybersecurity threats in 2023 and beyond to keep yourself and your company safe.

Design mockup half in white and half in color of luxury house interior with open plan living room a...

Lighting Design

Lighting Design 101: Learn the Basics

These lighting design basics will help you when designing your home, so you can meet both practical and aesthetic needs.

an antler with large horns int he wilderness...

Three Bear Lodge

Yellowstone in the Fall: A Wildlife Spectacle Worth Witnessing

While most people travel to this park in the summer, late fall in Yellowstone provides a wealth of highlights to make a memorable experience.

a diverse group of students raising their hands in a classroom...

Little Orchard Preschool

6 Benefits of Preschool for Kids

Some of the benefits of preschool for kids include developing independence, curiosity, and learning more about the world.

Ogden Man Offers Homeless Holiday Hope Through Haircuts