Go Bald 2018 campaign travels to Delta Mall in Sibu
SIBU: A man and his son were among those who had their head shaved under ‘Go Bald 2018’, which took place at Delta Mall here yesterday.
Ling Chong Chuong, 37, and his boy Hwa Xuan, aged four, took part in the campaign to raise funds for Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society (SCCS).
Ling, who works at a spare-parts company, said he just wanted to contribute to a good cause – or at the very least, to do a good deed for society.
Those who went bald yesterday each received a commemorative T-shirt that featured the ‘Go Bald’ logo printed in gold against a black background – gold symbolises awareness of childhood cancer and also as ‘the light in the dark’, representing the public support for the young cancer patients and their families.
The participants also collected wristbands and free photo prints to remember the momentous occasion.
There were SCCS merchandise items for sale and also the SCCS monthly donation programme sign-up booth, where members of the public could donate – from a minimum of RM30 – to the society via auto- debit.
In addition, there was an information panel on SCCS support services, and also on childhood cancer.
According to assistant manager (events and marketing) for the campaign Genevieve Tan, the event was launched in 2009 and since then, Go Bald has remained SCCS’ main awareness and fundraising event.
“The act of going bald shows the spirit of solidarity for children with cancer, in that they are not alone in this journey; that hair loss is only a temporary setback on their journey to recovery.
“Over the past nine years, the Go Bald mission has raised more than RM8 million, and has spanned over Kuching Miri, Sibu and Bintulu, gathering more than 8,800 participants,” she said.
Tan also said SCCS has supported more than 1,100 cancer- stricken children and their families through various services – ranging from emotional support, the running of a halfway home in Kuching and a newly- built facility here for outstation patients receiving treatment at local government hospitals, financial aid, training for medical staff, public education programmes and campaigns, as well as various recreational activities.
“With an average of 70 children diagnosed with cancer in Sarawak every year – not to mention the number of relapse cases, much resources and energy are invested to ensure sustainable support for SCCS to care for children suffering from cancer, and also their families,” Tan said.