As the razor slowly mowed its first line down the middle of Jo Sykes's scalp, a timid smile appeared on her face. No turning back now.
Minutes later, a mound of long, dark locks was piled up outside the entrance to the Adventure Centre and Cut N' Loose's Harry Bullen stood brushing off the head of yet another Balding for Dollars patron.
Sykes, meanwhile, reacted to the sudden breeze.
"It's very Sinead O'Connor," she said with a laugh after peering into a hand mirror. "I'm glad I've got a nice head and not scars all over it. It feels weird."
Sykes was one of five females who shaved their heads at the Adventure Centre to help raise money for the ninth annual Balding for Dollars campaign on Saturday (May 2). The campaign raised a total of $14,500, with the main event drawing in $12,000 and Valleycliffe Elementary School's effort raising $2,500, according to organiser Cindy Turner-Gulycz.
"It was just a great day. There was so much going on," she said.
About 30 participants went under the blade over the course of the day to help family support programs, research, and acquire educational materials and medical supplies for the Cancer and Blood Disorder Program and Outpatient Clinic at BC Children's Hospital.
Meanwhile, live bands performed, barbecues were lit and youngsters played in the bouncy castle.
District planner Cameron Chalmers and Coun. Bryan Raiser were tag-teamed by Bullen and his partner in buzz Fiona von Hahn early in the day.
"People are always really good about sponsoring and it's a great event," said Raiser. "I always thought of hair as a hassle anyways."
Meanwhile, Shawn Pedersen said he had the young cancer patients in mind when he set off to raise $1,500 for the campaign to fight cancer.
"It's tough enough for adults to go through it let alone kids. It'll grow back and it's a good group that sponsors me every year" he said, adding that this was his seventh year participating.
Scott Gross got creative for his pledge campaign. He coloured his long hair green during his sponsorship campaign, giving him an excellent conversation starter to attract more pledges. The plan worked great and helped him raise the largest total of $1,600.
It also left him with a free haircut and a tiny, green tassel at the front of his head.
