A six-year-old Sapperton girl is getting ready to sacrifice her long locks to help kids in need of wigs.
Madelynn Cheung, a Grade 1 student at Skwo:wech Elementary School in New Westminster, is raising funds in support of her upcoming hair donation to Wigs for Kids B.C. — an organization that helps children dealing with cancer and other illnesses.
"I wanted to teach my six-year-old girl that, although she may be small and young, anyone can make a difference and help," explained Madelynn's mom, Vi Vo, in an email to the Record.
"This past year or two Madelynn has been learning about different people and possible reasons why some people may not have hair and what we can do to help. Maddy has decided to grow and donate her hair to the Wigs for Kids B.C. organization, along with monetary pledges and donations."
The family set up a pledge campaign and started spreading the news by word of mouth in January, and they've already hit $975 of their initial $1,000 goal — though they're willing to go higher than that, since, as Vo points out, "from here, the sky is the limit."
The decision to give up her hair for other children is in keeping with Madelynn's personality, Vo says.
"Maddy’s a friendly, personable and inclusive kid," Vo wrote. "She has a great love and respect for all animals and being in nature. Maddy is always thoughtful, and questions and asks about anything and everything she’s curious about, which is why this donation and pledge page came about."
An update as of March 3: Madelynn's mom reports that they'll be doing the big chop next Friday, March 10 after school at Skwo:wech.
You can check out Maddy's official Wigs for Kids B.C. fundraising page for details or to make a donation.
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