A local woman whose family has been touched by Powell River’s generosity is now giving back by donating her hair. Darcie Macfronton will be cutting her locks to donate to Wigs for Kids BC at the end of the month and is accepting donations on behalf of the charity.
“Our family has lost a few people to cancer over the last few years,” said MacFronton. “Six years ago, this wonderful community came together to support a fundraiser for one of our family members. We are still grateful.”
Wigs for Kids BC was started in 2006 when a group of friends worked to raise funds to help a teenage girl undergoing chemotherapy purchase a wig to wear to her high school graduation. Custom-made human hair wigs can cost as much as $3,000 and are not covered under BC’s Medical Services Plan (MSP). The group held a silent auction and surpassed their goal, raising $24,000, and a program was then started out of BC Children’s Hospital. In 2009 it expanded to include fundraising for medication and other supplies not covered by MSP.
BC Children's Hospital is the primary treatment centre for all childhood diseases in the province. Last year it saw more than 125 new cases of childhood cancer. There are more than 840 children in active treatment and over 1,200 in long-term follow-up care.
MacFronton’s goal is to raise $1,500 for the charity, and she encourages people to give any amount they can.
“I know sometimes I can’t afford to give the donation I’d like to and I’ve thought ‘well, $2 or $5 is not very helpful,’ but people should feel comfortable to donate anything because it really all adds up,” she said.
After undergoing hair loss, having a lifelike wig can be a huge morale boost for youth, she added, especially as they look forward to getting back to their normal activities and socializing with peers.
“Thinking about going back to school, they probably haven't thought about their hair until that point and it really makes a big difference to have a wig that looks and feels natural,” she said. “It’s one less barrier as they pick up their regular life again.”
Wigs for Kids BC accepts donations of healthy hair. It takes 10 to 12 ponytails to make one wig. People can donate to MacFronton’s fundraiser at: secure.bcchf.ca/SuperheroPages/main.cfm?Event=WigsForKids&Member=94255 or by cash or cheque at the Powell River Peak office.
