Some might consider it the biggest tip in the world for a bunch of free haircuts. Most would probably say it’s an incredible act of generosity coupled with a whopping dollop of the most extraordinary hue of pink hair dye.
The 17th annual Hair Massacure concluded its annual business at West Edmonton Mall on Feb. 22 with more than 600 of ‘Kali’ pink-headed participants sitting down in volunteer salon chairs, shaving their locks down to the wood in support of the Children’s Wish Foundation and Terry Fox PROFYLE to the tune of more than $400,000.
“Hair Massacure is an incredible event each year, and Children’s Wish is so proud of how the Edmonton community has come together to support wish granting and the fight against pediatric cancer,” said Chris Kotsopoulos, the CEO of the Children’s Wish Foundation, offering a huge amount of appreciation to all involved. “The importance of Hair Massacure to granting wishes in Alberta cannot be overestimated, and as the need for wishes grows, this event will help us grant even more wishes for deserving children.”
“The Terry Fox Foundation is grateful and humbled by the extraordinary response of Edmontonians and Albertans,” said Britt Andersen, executive director of the Terry Fox Foundation.
In its history, the event has brought in more than $12 million for charities benefiting children fighting cancer and other life-threatening illnesses in Alberta.
The Children’s Wish Foundation has been making dreams come true for children who are diagnosed with a life-threatening illness for more than 34 years. In that time, it has benefited more than 25,000 children and their families – three wishes a day. More details can be found at www.childrenswish.ca for more information.
The mission of the Terry Fox Foundation is to raise money for innovative cancer research throughout Canada. Its website at www.terryfox.org says that it is a “leading national investor in cancer research, directing $23.6 million to its cancer research programs in 2016/17,” investing in research with the potential for best and fastest outcomes.
MD fundraising on fire on the roof and on the street
One of the city’s most visible displays of its firefighting prowess has nothing to do with battling blazes and everything to do with fighting the life-altering affects of more than 150 neuromuscular disorders.
Since Monday, a team of the community champions has been enjoying the early spring temperatures with its annual Rooftop Campout at Fire Station #2 on Boudreau Road.
The campaign this year is less about braving the elements but always just as much about drawing attention to muscular dystrophy and other NMDs that affect 50,000 Canadians and their families.
In addition to encouraging motorists to stop by and put a donation in the boot, they also have an online auction underway with nearly 100 items up for bids at www.firefightersformd.com. Even though the campout officially ends on Thursday, the auction goes till 4 p.m. on Friday, March 15. Those who simply want to support the effort can also purchase a Local 2130 St. Albert Firefighters MD Campaign T-shirt for $20.
Firefighters are considered Muscular Dystrophy Canada's strongest partners and have been involved with the organization since its inception.
A frosty day with some hot returns
The Jessica Martel Memorial Foundation (JMMF) benefited from some frozen treat-loving customers at the Dairy Queen in Morinville in February. The restaurant’s second annual Blizzard Day fundraiser netted the charity $7,000 to go toward Jessie’s House, which is already under construction. The site, the first of its kind in the Sturgeon region, will be a first stage emergency shelter to support people fleeing violence at home.
“Blizzard Day means the world to me. Support from DQ Morinville, other local businesses and our community are what has enabled us to build a 9,000-sq.-ft. shelter,” said foundation board president and co-founder Lynne Rosychuk.
The JMMF has already raised approximately 60 per cent of the funds required for the project. It is embarking on a campaign to raise an additional $1 million to support the project by January 2020. Visit www.jessicamartelmemorialfoundation.com for more info.
