THUNDER BAY – Jack Metcalfe wanted to shave his head five years ago but his mother wouldn’t allow it.
She finally relented later that year when he learned about Cops for Cancer, a fundraising initiative where participants raise money to shave their heads as a sign of solidarity with children fighting the disease.
Jack continued his annual tradition of shedding his curly hair on Saturday, getting a buzz cut after announcing he had raised $8,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society.
“It feels amazing,” said the 12-year-old, who entered the campaign with a goal of $5,000.
“This year I actually went over what I’ve raised in total for every year.”
Jack held fundraising events, such as raffles, in his school and went to local businesses looking for support.
He hopes to see a day where a cure is discovered, though he is also driven by a personal connection.
“My grandfather lost his life to cancer and it was a great Mother’s Day gift for (my mother),” Jack said.
The local chapter of the Canadian Cancer Society held their annual mass head shaving event in the promotions court at Intercity Shopping Centre, where a handful of participants had an appointment with the trimmers.
Maria Cabral, the organization’s Northwest regional manager, said the campaign began more than 20 years ago in Edmonton where a police officer decided to shave his head in support of a child cancer patient who was being bullied in school for his lack of hair.
It has since caught on and become an annual fundraiser all across the country.
“It’s a really easy event to get engaged in and participate in,” she said.
Organizers are hoping to raise $25,000, which would help support programs and services run throughout the region.
