A hairy school challenge
By Chris Simon

Sunnybrae Public School Grade 1 student Victoria Robertson recently cut off most of her hair, and she's now challenging her schoolmates to do the same.

Victoria Robertson recently got most of her hair cut off, and she wants many of her schoolmates to follow suit.

The Sunnybrae Public School Grade 1 had several inches of her golden blonde hair snipped off last month, donating the now headless ponytail to Angel Hair For Kids. The organization provides wigs for children who have lost their hair as a result of Alopecia, burns, chemotherapy, and radiation treatment, said Victoria's mother Nicole.

Victoria decided to donate after learning that several family friends had either survived breast cancer, or were being treated for the disease.

"She kept wanting to cut her hair, and we kept saying she might as well do something good with it," said Nicole. "She agreed. Why just cut it and save it, when it could be helpful?"

Victoria has also begun asking her classmates, parents and others with the school community to donate their locks to the organization. Ten to 12 ponytails are needed to make one wig, meaning other volunteers are needed to help out children in need, said Nicole.

"We figured we'd make it more exciting. There's too many kids (at Sunnybrae) that currently have long hair," she said. "Can you imagine if we even got three braids by the end of the year? If we got 12 or 15, that'd be super, but three's better than nothing at all. A few of her friends have mentioned they'll be on board, whether their parents will be, we're not there yet. I'm really hoping it will be a trend setter."

Notice of Victoria's plans have been placed in the school's newsletter, while Do or Dye hair salon has offered to give free haircuts to willing participants who meet Angel Hair's length and colouring stipulations.

"I'm hoping we get a really good response. It's not a fundraiser, it has nothing to do with cash," said Nicole. "They don't have to pay for postage, I'll put it in and send it. It's all about the hair."

Nicole hopes the school community will embrace the challenge, and donate before the summer break in June.

Although some people may be hesitant, the challenge provides an opportunity to get a free professional haircut and donate to a worthy cause. Plus, the hair will grow back, said Nicole.

"Hair grows back," she said. "It's for charity; you're doing a great thing."