Matheson girl donates hair to charity on her birthday
A few days shy of her thirteenth birthday, Mia Therrien from Matheson is doing something big with her hair.
When the COVID-19 lockdowns of salons delayed the cutting of her hair, she decided to let it grow with the intention of donating it to a charity that makes wigs for children and youths.
"I’m happy just because I wanted to help a lot of little kids," she said.
One day, Mia's grandmother shared the idea with Timmins salon owner, Louise Lafond. Over the summer, Lafond became a northern Ontario partner of the 'Angel Hair for Kids' program which makes wigs for youths under the age of eighteen who've lost their own hair due to illness or other causes.
Lafond of Look 140 said Therrien has "gorgeous, beautiful hair, so some child will benefit from her gift."
Lafond said anyone can give their hair to the cause. She needs to cut twelve inches of untreated hair and it will be sent away to South Korea where it will be handmade into a wig. Lafond will also meet with any child in the region who may happen to need a wig.
"They pick the colour, the thickness, the density of the hair and every child that qualifies will be guaranteed a wig, one a year until they reach 18."
Lafond said about 70 per cent of her clientele is now wearing their hair longer due to salon closures during COVID-19 lockdowns; and as a result, organizations that accept offerings of hair say they have been experiencing an increase in contributions during the pandemic.
Grandmother and mom are proud of Mia's selflessness.
"She’s always been very caring and she likes doing things for others and just a big heart all around," said Stefanie Lessard, Mia's mother.
In return for her goodwill, Mia received a makeover from Lafond--highlights and a cut--and she is ready to return to school on Monday with her fresh look, that perhaps will inspire others to cut off their COVID-locks.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
B.C. judge orders shared dog custody for exes who both 'clearly love Stella'
In a first-of-its-kind ruling, a B.C. judge has awarded a former couple joint custody of their dog.
Saskatoon police to search landfill for remains of woman missing since 2020
Saskatoon police say they will begin searching the city’s landfill for the remains of Mackenzie Lee Trottier, who has been missing for more than three years.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.