This past weekend, two local Six Nations men braved it out and donated their long locks in support of Angel Hair for Kids. Kevin Hess and brother Shayne Hess seemed more excited then nervous as they underwent the scissors. Angel Hair for Kids donates funds which go towards wigs for children who have lost their hair due to illness. The event took place this year at the Mohawk Chapel in Brantford. Family and friends were on hand to support the event and to hold a picnic.
According to event organizer Elaine Burnside, “Angel Hair for Kids is a program of A Child’s Voice Foundation that provides wigs and hair loss solutions to financially disadvantaged children in Canada who have lost their hair due to a medical condition or treatment. Using hair that is generously donated to the program, the foundation can create wigs and hair systems and provide them at no cost to the child’s family.”
In total, both Kevin and Shayne donated 34 inches of hair: Kevin with 22 and Shayne with 12 inches. Other participants included Burnside’s son Joey, who donated 11 inches of hair for a grand total of 45 inches. Also participating was Reverend Jonathan Massimi from Counterpoint church. Although he didn’t have long hair to donate, he did get his head shaved in support of the event. The hairdresser who cut the hair was Cathy Campbell of Simply the Best and this was her third time participating in Angel Hair for Kids fundraiser events.
Burnside explained the process of acquiring enough hair donations to make wigs, “It takes 10-12 donated ponytails to make one hair prosthesis and $800 to $1000 is budgeted by the foundation to cover manufacturing and related costs (for one wig).” She stated that, “Every year many children in Canada will lose their hair due to conditions such as cancer treatments, alopecia and even burns. We believe that providing a wig or hair loss solution will increase a child’s self esteem and improve their self-image, during a difficult and sometimes painful time in their lives. We hope to help them face their condition and daily life with a greater confidence. Since the program’s inception only three years ago we are proud to say that we have helped over 150 children, and the demand is steadily increasing.”
Kevin Hess told the Two Row Times that this was the first time in 27 years that he has let someone cut his hair and was looking forward to a new look as his marriage to partner Mindy Jonathan is coming up in three weeks. “Mindy wants to cut my hair before the wedding,” Hess chuckled.
Asked about what encouraged her to help out with the event, Mindy stated, “My dad passed away from cancer seven years ago and today is his birthday actually. I want to help the kids out as much as possible.”
Burnside stated that what was particularly interesting at this event is that all the participants were males, “Last time they were all women,” she explained. People who want to support Angel Hair for Kids still have another month to donate. “Each person who would like to donate may do so. Any donation over $20 or more will receive a tax receipt and an Angel Hair For Kids bracelet. There is also a Facebook page called ‘Angel Hair For Kids Event.’ Lets do it for the kids!” exclaimed Burnside.
People wanting to participate or make a monetary donation to help raise funds for the Angel Hair For Kids or join in cutting of their hair for this great cause, contact Elaine Burnside at 519-759-1809 or by email at lanieb@rogers.com. You can also contact Mindy Jonathan at 519-771-5060 or by email at wolf_clan@hotmail.com.
