WATCH ABOVE: What started as a show of support by a father to his daughter has grown into a multimillion-dollar fundraising campaign for sick children. Videographer Cam Cook and Editor Fred Anderson give us the highlights.
EDMONTON – It’s not unusual to see someone sporting pink hair in Edmonton at this time of year, but those pink hairdos were shaved on Friday to help sick children.
The 13th annual Hair Massacure took place at West Edmonton Mall Friday. The event raises awareness for cancer patients and money for a number of charities including the Stollery Children’s Hospital, Make-A-Wish Northern Alberta, and Ronald McDonald House.
The Stollery sees 220,000 patient visits every year, so the Hair Massacure is a vital fundraiser for the hospital.
“Children are more expensive to take care of than adults because even though they’re only 25 per cent of the population, they come in all different shapes and sizes,” said Mike House, Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation.
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“So the children’s healthcare concerns are more expensive and they need specialized equipment because of their sizes and the fact they’re still developing as people.”
WATCH: Michel Boyer interviews the mother of a son who had a passion for the Hair Massacure before passing away
On Friday, people lined up to have their hair shaved during the 12-hour Hair Massacure. Wigs will be made from the shaved hair, which will be used by children suffering from life-threatening illnesses.
The organization hopes to surpass its fundraising total from last year of $1.5 million.
Those looking to donate could do so in person at the 12-hour event or online.
Hair Massacure has raised $9 million in the first 12 years.
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