When nine-year-old Surrey resident Bethany Poon decided she wanted to get her long hair cut and donate it to help make a wig for a child, she thought it would be twice as much fun if she did it with a friend. When she asked her friend and classmate Stephanie Wiebe, who also has really long hair, to join her, it turned out Wiebe had been growing her hair for more than a year just for that purpose.

The two Grade 4 Boundary Road Elementary students donated their hair at the Hennessey Hair “Do” on Jan 13.

It was a fundraiser benefiting Wigs for Kids B.C. The girls will also raise pledges in advance of the event by asking other classmates to donate to the cause.

The Wigs for Kids BC program raises money to provide custom-fitted human-hair wigs for kids and teens who have experienced hair loss due to cancer or other serious illnesses.

The program also helps pay for essential drugs and special feeding supplies that are not covered by any government agency or program.

Bethany’s mom Carolyn learned about Wigs for Kids B.C. from a friend who works for the B.C. Children’s Hospital.

The charity, which operates in association with B.C. Children’s, depends on the hospital to identify the children who need their help.

Wigs for Kids B.C. chairwoman Bev Friesen said she started the non-profit because there are no programs to cover the cost of human-hair wigs, which cost anywhere between $1,000 and $3,000.

“Families that have a sick child are already stretched to the maximum both emotionally and financially. The funding we provide helps to ease their burden just a little. Having a wig that looks and feels like the real thing helps children to feel like themselves again. And that is very helpful for their recovery.”

Both Bethany and Stephanie understand what their gift will mean.

Both children have had family members who had to deal with cancer and want to help a child who is in the same situation.

Bethany said that when her aunt lost her hair she had a “scratchy” synthetic wig. “It made her feel itchy,” she says.

“I feel sad for kids who have to wear a wig like that. I want them to have a nice wig so they can have a fun picture day at school.”

Stephanie said simply, “I feel good about helping a little girl.”

Stephanie’s mom Theresa shed some light on her daughter’s feelings.

“As a child, she at times feels a little powerless to help. There are so few choices for a child to help out in a meaningful way. But, by growing her hair and giving it to other kids who need it, she’s found a tangible way to help.”

“Also, by telling their story, I hope they will inspire others to do the same,” added Carolyn.