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
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
What Canadians think of the latest Liberal budget
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
Teacher shortages see some Ontario high school students awarded perfect grades on midterm exams
Students at a high school in York Region have been awarded perfect marks on their midterm exams in three subjects – not because of their academic performances however, but because they had no teacher.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
An Ontario senior thought he called Geek Squad for help with his printer. Instead, he got scammed out of $25,000
An Ontario senior’s attempt to get technical help online led him into a spoofing scam where he lost $25,000. Now, he’s sharing his story to warn others.
Her fiance has been in prison for 49 years. She's trying to free him before it's too late
Christine Roess is a retired consultant. Ezra Bozeman has spent the last 49 years in prison, serving a life sentence for a murder he says he didn’t commit. Against the odds, the two fell in love.