QB House creates a culture of care through senior, childhood cancer outreach

[SINGAPORE] QB House is marking 10 years as the official hairstylist sponsor of Hair for Hope, a Children’s Cancer Foundation initiative where participants have their heads shaved to raise funds for the charity and to show solidarity with cancer patients.

“In 2025, our team supported 16 head-shaving events and performed... 2,656 shaves – each one a symbol of hope and encouragement,” QB House said.

Its managing director, Osamu Matsumoto, also became a corporate ambassador and was among those who had their heads shaved to raise awareness of childhood cancer.

As part of QB House’s large-scale campaign, its staff across all 30 of its Singapore outlets wore the official Hair for Hope volunteer T-shirt every weekend from May to June.

“These actions not only support the cause, but also cultivate awareness, empathy and teamwork among employees.”

Besides the main Hair for Hope event – which took place from Jul 26 to 27 – QB House supported satellite events at schools, offices and community centres.

This year, around 100 staff volunteered for the initiative – including 18 from the company’s Japan, Taiwan and Hong Kong branches.

Empathy and civic responsibility

QB House’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) journey began in 2006, when some hairstylists started volunteering their services at senior citizen facilities on their days off.

“This was the catalyst for subsequent volunteer activities,” it said.

SEE ALSO

NVPC’s Great Singapore Give campaign encourages more volunteering, donation efforts

In 2013 and 2014, the company was approached by People’s Association to support Hair for Hope’s satellite events. It became the official hairstylist sponsor in 2015.

To date, QB House has helped to shave more than 20,000 heads at these outreach events. It said the move is “no easy feat”, as it must maintain its service quality while ensuring adequate resources.

But it noted: “There is certainly a strong corporate culture that wholeheartedly supports the purpose of this event – to raise childhood cancer awareness and funds for children and families impacted by cancer.”

For its efforts, QB House was honoured as a City of Good at the 2025 President’s Volunteerism & Philanthropy Awards, alongside the Children’s Cancer Foundation and Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery. The title recognises cross-sector partnerships that drive long-term community impact.

QB House noted that its CSR initiatives “also contribute to Singapore’s nation-building efforts by fostering a culture of care, empathy and civic responsibility”.

“The company sets an example for individuals and businesses alike, demonstrating that corporate platforms can be leveraged to make meaningful societal contributions,” it added.

Reaching out to more beneficiaries

This year, QB House is extending its CSR efforts beyond its core services by reaching out to seniors through a partnership with the Caregiving Welfare Association (CWA).

QB House chose children with cancer and the elderly as its beneficiaries because they are the community groups that would “benefit the most from direct engagement and support”.

The company added: “Children undergoing cancer treatment require not only medical care, but also awareness and community support. Seniors, particularly those at risk of social isolation, gain greatly from interactive experiences and companionship, especially during festive seasons.”

To that end, QB House will hold a Christmas celebration for about 100 seniors from CWA and welfare organisation Lions Befrienders.

Philanthropy as a defining aspect

QB House places emphasis on involving staff in its CSR initiatives; giving back to the community is embedded in its employee activities and customer-facing programmes.

“By engaging staff across all levels, QB House fosters a long-term culture of empathy and social responsibility within the organisation,” it said.

This allows philanthropy to become a “defining” aspect of its brand. QB House also supports staff volunteering by providing logistical support and perks, such as arranging schedules to accommodate giving-back activities.

It added: “Through consistent participation and meaningful engagement, QB House hopes to inspire customers, employees and the wider business community to take parts in acts of giving.”

The company intends to explore other new initiatives to benefit more segments of the community, as well as expand its engagement with seniors.

QB House’s CSR efforts support the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre’s annual Great Singapore Give campaign. It is ongoing until end-December, and aims to mobilise more than 10,000 volunteers and S$42 million in donations.

Go to www.giving.sg/greatsingaporegive to explore other giving opportunities