Northern Ont. hairstyling students' event aims to normalize wig-wearing
Students in Sault College's hairstyling program are raising awareness of a program designed to help those dealing with hair loss and remove the stigma of wearing wigs. To that end, they're organizing the "Wigged Out Walk-a-Thon" in support of the college's wig clinic.
"As a student myself, I was unaware that the college had a wig clinic," said Kayla Matthews, coordinator of the event. "So this year, with COVID, we decided that we would go in the direction of an awareness campaign and let everyone know that we do offer that service, and I think it's a great service for the community."
For the last seven years, the Sault College Wig Clinic has been providing wigs and other hair services for women dealing with hair loss. One of the aims of the awareness campaign is to end the stigma of wig-wearing.
"It's sad to see people lose so much confidence from losing their hair," said Madeline Dick, a student of the college's hairstyling program. "We just really want to end the stigma of wig-wearing and make it somewhat normal and help people feel better about themselves."
Matthews points out that wigs can also be very expensive, which is why she says the services provided by the wig clinic are so important.
"I think it's awesome that everyone should have an opportunity to feel confident and happy again after going through whatever they were going through," she said.
Dick, meantime, said giving people confidence is a big reason why she's learning the hairstyling trade.
"I just want to learn as much as I can and just really make people feel good about themselves," she said. "It's really rewarding to see."
The "Wigged Out Walk-a-Thon" runs from August 6 to 14, and you can participate through Facebook and Instagram using the hashtag #WiggedOutWalkAThon.
There's no cost to participate and no registration required. For those dealing with hair loss, whether it's as a result of cancer treatments or other medical conditions, you can apply to receive a free wig by contacting the Sault College Wig Clinic.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparent scam: London, Ont., senior beats fraudsters not once, but twice
It was a typical Tuesday for Mabel Beharrell, 84, until she got the call that would turn her world upside down. Her teenaged grandson was in trouble and needed her help.
Deaths of 4 people on Sask. farm confirmed as murder-suicide
The deaths of four people on a farm near the Saskatchewan village of Neudorf have been confirmed a murder-suicide.
CRA no longer requiring 'bare trust' reporting in 2023 tax return
The Canada Revenue Agency announced Thursday it will not require 'bare trust' reporting from Canadians that it introduced for the 2024 tax season, just four days before the April 2 deadline.
Full parole granted to man convicted in notorious 'McDonald's murders' in Cape Breton
The Parole Board of Canada has granted full parole to one of three men convicted in the brutal murders of three McDonald's restaurant workers in Cape Breton more than 30 years ago.
Incident on Calgary's Reconciliation Bridge comes to safe resolution
Nearly 20 hours after a man climbed and remained perched on top of the Reconciliation Bridge in downtown Calgary, the situation came to a peaceful resolution.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
'We won't forget': How some Muslims view Poilievre's stance on Israel-Hamas war
A spokesman for a regional Muslim advocacy group says Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's stance on the Israel-Hamas war could complicate his party's relationship with Muslim Canadians.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.