João Coelho Guimarães, 45, has been homeless in Goiânia, Brazil, for three years, with his family thinking that he had been dead for ten years.
When he walked into the barber’s and men’s clothing shop, employees decided to give him a haircut, trim his beard, and offer him a brand new look.
They then posted images on social media, which quickly went viral.
The virality gave João a happy ending as his family spotted the pictures and tracked him down.
João’s mum and sister called the business and asked them if they knew where he was.
With João not having a phone or fixed address, staff were unable to put the family in touch with the 45-year-old.
However, after his mum and sister came to town, they walked around the neighbourhood until they found João.
Heartwarming images capture the moment the family was reunited.
Country singer Alessandro Lobo, who owns the shop, told Brazilian website UOL that they wanted to do something nice for someone during the festive period.
‘He came and we asked if he was hungry and wanted something to eat. But he refused and asked if we had a razor so he could trim his beard,’ Alessandro said.
‘That’s when we had an idea and everyone in the store decided to help in a different way, providing a day of beauty for him.’
The transformation took two hours to complete, and João was delighted with the results.
Alessandro helped João’s family search for him and eventually tracked the man down.
Despite being overjoyed at seeing his family, João has decided not to return home with them.
Alessandro added: ‘João is still on the streets. His sister wanted to welcome him and take him home, but he didn’t want to.
‘He said that on the streets, he feels free. That’s why he didn’t want to go home.
But the heartfelt moment meant a lot to Alessandro.
He said: ‘2020 was a year of many losses for loved ones around the world, and in the midst of all this a [relief] for this family.’
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source https://metro.co.uk/2020/12/23/homeless-man-given-a-haircut-reunites-with-family-after-pics-go-viral-13797101/
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