Hair was falling in clumps as students and teachers of Jack Hulland Elementary School had their heads shaved for a cancer fundraiser on Tuesday.
In one week, the students managed to raise more than $5,000 in donations going to the Canadian Cancer Society Yukon Region.
Ultimately seven Grade 7 boys had lost their locks along with two female teachers, three male teachers, vice-principal Ken Taylor, who organized the fundraiser, and principal Jim Tredger.
One of the female teachers had blonde curly hair down to her waist. She waited anxiously for the shaving.
“I’m excited and nervous,” said Shari Heal.
“It’s for a really good cause and I’m glad we were able to make as much money as we did.
“It’s pretty phenomenal.”
In a speech to the school just before the buzz of hair clippers began, Taylor declared a day of celebration.
Students had done what they could to make things better for those struggling with cancer, he said.
“That’s a lot of caring and a lot of sharing,” he said in reference to the $5,000 raised.
“We can all feel good and shave our heads standing side by side with those folks who have cancer.”
Immediately after the Grade 7 boys took to the makeshift barber seats rubbing their hands through their longer locks one last time.
After being sheered, student Taylor Klippenstein said his head felt weird, but he was happy to do it for the cause.
He estimated that it would take him about two months to grow his hair back to its original length.
The hair-shaving brought smiles and squeals of glee to the students sitting on the gymnasium floor watching the event.
The students erupted in cheers every time a head was shaved, clapping and shouting loudest when Heal had her long tresses shaved.
“The cancer epidemic is one of those times when we feel hopeless,” said Tredger after having his head shaved.
“The feeling of hopelessness is especially strong for the children and I think doing this builds a resilience and connection in that they are able to help the world.
“I’m proud of them. I’m proud of the staff kids. I’m proud of the kids. I’m proud of the parents.
“It really brings our community together.”
Once the mass head shaving was over and students and staff were left rubbing their bristled scalps, a cheque for $5,000 was presented to Colleen Killins-Bubiak of the Cancer Society.
With the cheque, the cancer society had been able to raise $40,000 in the last 12 months, said Killins-Bubiak.
“Oh it’s great,” she said.
“We have programs that need the money — an online support group, a cancer lodge in Vancouver — it’s wonderful that the kids can take part in it and get involved.”