Mary Vanscoy stands with student Aley Meade. Both are planning to donate their hair to provide wigs for children with cancer at Vanscoy’s college-wide hair donation event in March.
The meaning of having a ‘good hair day’ is about to get a makeover at NC, thanks to Mary Vanscoy.
The School of Community Services professor is organizing a college-wide hair donation event in mid-March, in support of providing wigs for children with cancer. Vanscoy has been encouraging students, staff and faculty alike to ‘let it grow’ and donate their hair at the ‘mane’ event: March 17 at the NOTL Campus and March 18 at the Welland Campus, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For Vanscoy, who lost her sister to cancer, the cause is close to her heart. Vanscoy plans to donate her own long locks and is hoping to have as many people from the college community as possible will do the same.
“We as a college can make a huge difference to those who are fighting against this disease so please consider helping,” said Vanscoy. “Children with cancer didn’t have the choice to lose their hair, but we have the choice to help them.”
Vanscoy’s personal desire to donate her hair snowballed into a two-day college-wide event last fall, after students and faculty expressed a desire to join her efforts. Vanscoy said that many of her students have been stepping forward to participate – some with really long hair who have committed to cutting it off. Students have also been encouraging others to participate through social media.
It’s not only students who are preparing to donate their hair. Chris Williams, NCSAC office manager at the Welland Campus is excited about getting her hair cut, which she views as a nice change for a worthy cause. She plans to get six inches chopped off, leaving her with only two “to play with.”
“The reason why I wanted to get involved is because I have known several people who not only did they have to deal with the heartbreaking diagnosis of having cancer but also had to face the indignity of losing their hair,” she said. “If I can do this one thing to help then I feel I should do it.“
Vanscoy said she is grateful for the support the event has received in the college community. She said she is grateful for the efforts of the college’s Hairstyling program, including program coordinator Joe Abbruscato, faculty and students who have volunteered to cut hair free of charge during the two-day donation event.
She also noted she is thankful for the support of the NC Student Administrative Council who has donated various prizes to the event. Those who donate their hair will have an opportunity to enter a draw to win prizes including a gift basket valued at $250 that includes a flat iron, hair dryer and hair products.
Donating? Here’s what you need to know
* Hair must be at least six inches long (measured from just above the elastic band of the ponytail to the ends). For wavy and curly hair – it can be straightened to measure.
* Coloured, permed and grey hair will be accepted.
* No appointments necessary. Drop in to donate your hair at the NOTL Campus March 17 or at the Welland Campus on March 18.
* Before arriving, hair must be freshly washed, dry and bundled in a ponytail at both ends, or in a braid. Type of ponytail needed will be determined after discussion about how much hair will be donated and how hair will be cut. Elastics will be supplied.
* Hairstyling faculty will be on site to provide more difficult cuts for longer hair donations (i.e. pixie cuts) at event.
* Staff and students whose hair is being donated to the B.C. location may provide their name and email address at the event. The person who receives your hair will send a thank-you.
