While spectators clapped along to the pop music pumping through the speakers of Collettville Elementary’s gymnasium, a group students and staff watched their hair fall to the floor.
A total of five students and two staff members lost their locks in support of cancer research on April 11.
“It took a lot of courage for each of these students to have their hair shaved,” said principal René Aubin, a participant in the event himself.
Virgil Ashby-Joe looks out at the crowd while his head is shaved by Paula Jolicoeur from Underground Chop Shop, who volunteered her services for the event. (Dara Hill/Herald).
Ainslee Anderson holds up her freshly chopped ponytail. (Dara Hill/Herald).
The shaving event was a symbolic gesture to show support for those dealing with cancer while raising funds, Aubin said. One student and one teacher had locks long enough to donate to a charitable wig organization as well.
The school has raised $2,800 for the BC Cancer Foundation so far, and donations continue to come in online, Aubin said.
Grade 4 Kayden Beers alone raised over $1,500 of the total. Before she faced the clippers, her mom told the gym full of students how important the day was for her daughter, as Beers has lost two friends to cancer.
“The participants showed great empathy for others and their challenges,” Aubin said. “Each participant had specific people that inspired them to participate.”
The event’s impact lingered long after the gym floor had been swept clean, he added.
“The event inspired follow-up conversations in classrooms about cancer, cancer treatment, and the emotional and physical effects that it can have,” Aubin said.
