OLDS — Local resident Kelly Siemens’ decision to get her hair cut for two good causes has inspired another person to follow suit.
Siemens got her hair cut Oct. 10 so it could be donated to Wigs for Kids, a B.C.-based organization that raises money to provide free custom-fitted human-hair wigs for children who have lost their hair due to cancer or other serious illnesses.
A second goal was to raise money for the Olds and District Hospice Society (ODHS).
ODHS executive director Mary Smith said as of Oct. 16, she had raised $1,441 for the society via a combination of online donations and cheques.
“I’m really happy for her,” Smith said.
Siemens was inspired to undertake the fundraiser by nine-year-old Annie-Mae Kerkhoff of Innisfail.
Kerkhoff had her hair cut and donated to Wigs for Kids this past summer in honour of her grandmother who is battling aggressive Hodgkins lymphoma.
Now, Siemens’ project has, in turn, inspired a man to follow suit.
At press time, his name had not been revealed.
Siemens got her hair cut in a bob by Shelley Bennett of Total Image Salon and Spa.
A handful of friends and family gathered for the occasion, some taking photos with their cellphones.
After Siemens’ hair was gathered in a long ponytail. Annie was given the honour to cut it.
Annie is a pretty shy girl.
“You got to cut her (Kelly’s) hair. Was that pretty cool,” her mother asked.
Annie hid behind her mom and whispered “yeah.”
It was said Siemens hadn’t had her hair cut this short for about 15 years.
The worst part will be brushing your hair, Siemens was told.
“You’ll go to brush it thinking long hair and then have to stop.”
That sparked a bit of laughter.
“You’ll put way too much shampoo in your hair,” another person said.
“I’m just thinking I might not need two towels after the shower,” Siemens said, sparking more laughter.
Annie’s mom asked her if Siemens did a good thing.
“Yeah,” Annie answered.
After the haircut, Siemens was asked how it felt.
“Oh, it feels amazing,” she said. “Much lighter.
“Are you glad you did this,” Siemens was asked.
“Oh absolutely,” she said.
“It doesn’t feel odd or anything,” she was asked.
“Not yet,” she said. “Just wait till I shampoo it.”
“Well thank you everybody. We’ll see you again in another 15 years,” Siemens said to loud laughter.
