THUNDER BAY -- Det. Cst. Robert Miller had been involved in the Cops for Cancer fundraiser for many years, but had never sat down in the barber’s seat to get his hair shaved.
That all changed on Saturday at the 22nd annual Cops for Cancer event, where Miller allowed for a full buzz in honour of his later mother who passed away from cancer in September.
“It’s good... Just to help out and let me know I’m thinking of her,” said Miller.
After receiving the trim, he shared a tender embrace with his family members who were on hand.
“We always keep our [hair] short for our jobs,” Miller said. “So management actually allowed me to grow my hair out a little bit for this event.”
“It feels a little cold now,” Miller said post-haircut.
The emotion is the driving force behind the good will, according to Maria Cabral.
Cabral, who works as the regional manager of the Canadian Cancer Society, said the event promotes police both as role models and peers.
“Kids look up to our officers as local heroes,” Cabral said. “This event gives children the opportunity to be local heroes too by shaving their heads.”
The idea for Cops for Cancer was sparked in 1994 when a Edmonton student was bullied in school after undergoing chemotherapy.
“It’s designated to pediatric cancer patients, and I think the fact that a lot of kids are affected by it brings up the inspiration,” Cabral said.
Thunder Bay Police joined the cause 22 years ago, and have participated in the fundraiser every year since.
The fundraiser raised $15,487 for the Canadian Cancer Society this year.
“It brings all [police] together as a family, and shows how we can function as a family,” Miller said.
