When Westmount elementary student Ephraim Howell begins school this September — be it in person or via videoconference — he may well be mistaken for being the new kid by his Grade 6 classmates.
The 11-year-old recently had his voluminous blond locks shorn in an altruistic act, donating his hair to Wigs for Kids BC, an organization that seeks to improve the quality of life for kids dealing with cancer or other life-threatening illnesses and to provide a free wig for every B.C. child who needs one.
Ephraim said that, in conversations with his grandma, Shannon, more than two years ago, he decided he would not cut his hair until it was long enough to donate.
Donning a face mask on Thursday (July 9), Ephraim hopped onto the salon chair of stylist Mel McRae, chatting briefly about a new hairstyle before the scissors were put to work.
“I think you’d look good in a surfer hairstyle,” McRae said.
Ephraim’s mom, Arlee, watched patiently from outside the Blowfish Hair Studio on Lorne Street, adhering to pandemic safety guidelines.
Within minutes, Ephraim’s altruistic deed was done.
Held in a hand in front of his masked smile were bunches of golden locks, which would soon be sent away to be made into a wig for a child.
Ephraim’s thoughtful act has not gone unnoticed by his eight-year-old brother, Nathan, who will be ready later this winter to have his noggin of lengthy locks shorn for the cause.
Along with the donation of recently trimmed hair, Ephraim will be including a cash donation of $330, which the youngster raised himself.
Each wig costs between $600 and $700 to create, which is funded 100 per cent by donations.
Wigs for Kids also provides funding for medications and feeding supplies not covered by the province’s Medical Services Plan.
If you or someone you know would like to donate hair or sign up to become a fundraiser, go online to wigsforkidsbc.com for more information.
