Shave Your Lid for a Kid a mane attraction again
Bobs, mohawks and long, golden manes were a few of the hairstyles being shed to raise money for young cancer victims on Saturday.
From ages six to 60, kids and adults alike shed their locks at the fourth annual Shave Your Lid for a Kid at Southcentre Mall.
Jennifer Saunders with the Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta said the event is one of the foundation’s largest fundraising events, and money raised is used for cancer research and sending sick kids to camp.
Saunders said the number of participants is down this year, likely due to the economic downturn, but since moving to Southcentre Mall, the event has grown into a huge awareness campaign.
“Our first event was quite small, but since doing it here the support we’re seeing is just incredible,” she said, noting 18 people volunteered for this year’s event.
“The people who come out are so eager and excited, and it just adds to this already huge community of families and volunteers.”
Saunders said after being approached by families and community members looking to host a shave-your-lid-style event, but lacking the manpower and resources, Kids Cancer Care decided to make it an official event. “It has allowed us to engage the community and host an annual event where people come together and spread awareness about kids with cancer,” she said.
Participants who were shorn Saturday ranged from 12-year-old Gabriel Lynn — who stepped up in support of his brother Shaine, who was diagnosed with brain cancer at just one year old — to Calgary community members looking to share their support.
“It’s incredibly heartwarming to witness,” Saunders said.
“The Kids Cancer community is like nothing I’ve experienced anywhere — no matter how alone you feel, someone else there has been through it and is there to support you.”
Despite having fewer participants, Kids Cancer Care had raised about $14,000 this year with more still to be tallied.
Last year they raised $30,000.