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
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn’t over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball’s highest scorer Caitlin Clark’s first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
U.S. vetoes a widely supported UN resolution backing full membership for Palestine
The United States has vetoed a widely backed UN resolution that would have paved the way for full United Nations membership for the state of Palestine.
Bayer recalls hydraSense baby product over 'potential contamination'
Bayer announced Thursday it is recalling two lots of its hydraSense Baby Nasal Care Easydose due to a potential contamination.
N.L. gardening store revives 19th century seed-packing machine
Technology from the 19th century has been brought out of retirement at a Newfoundland gardening store, as staff look for all the help they can get to fill orders during a busy season.
Cat found on Toronto Pearson airport runway 3 days after going missing
Kevin the cat has been reunited with his family after enduring a harrowing three-day ordeal while lost at Toronto Pearson International Airport earlier this week.
Grandparent scam suspects had ties to Italian organized crime, police allege
A group of suspects that allegedly defrauded seniors across Ontario and other parts of Canada using a so-called emergency grandparent scam appear to have ties to 'Italian traditional organized crime,' according to an investigator involved in the OPP-led probe.