For the second year in a row, the St. Valentine’s Day Hair Massacure has succeeded in raising more than $1 million. While last year’s milestone was achieved within four hours of the deadline, squeaking by thanks to a surprise last-minute cheque for $1,600, this year there was a bit more breathing room.
The event pulled in a cool $1.05 million thanks to its thousands of volunteers, supporters and ‘victims’ — the people that turn their hair pink and then shave it off in one fell swoop as a show of solidarity for those with cancer.
The event was started by the MacDonald family after their daughter, Kali, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at the age of two. She has now been in remission for several years while the Massacure itself keeps evolving and gathering more momentum.
This continual growth pleases executive director Tammy MacDonald greatly, especially with a major fast food restaurant chain lending its support with Kali Bear sales.
“We got our last cheque in from McDonald’s today,” she said, just before the announcement. “That was $28,000 and change.”
The final tally was announced at Neil M. Ross Catholic Elementary School yesterday morning, just prior to the assembled student body enjoying a free concert by Gord Bamford, 2010 Canadian Country Music Association male artist of the year.
The school won the show by having its students raise almost $74,000. This is the second year in a row for the honour, something that principal Sandy Cimino considers a sign of great things to come from her students. To her, they have shown how supportive they are of children’s charities.
“It makes me feel very proud of our community.”
She added that the 450 students were proud of their achievement and also excited about the musical guest as well.
This amount brings the nine-year tally to almost $4.8 million. All funds raised go to support the Stollery Children’s Hospital, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northern Alberta, and also now the Ronald McDonald House of Northern Alberta.
For more information about the event, the charity organization itself or the causes it supports, please call 780-431-4621 or visit www.hairmassacure.com.
