Victoria Boy Raises $3,500, Cuts Hair for Kids Battling Cancer

UPDATE: An 11-year-old boy from Victoria has made headlines by raising over $3,500 and cutting off his hair to support children battling cancer. Ellis Leach has been growing his hair for three years, and his emotional journey culminated in a heartfelt donation to Wigs for Kids BC.

Earlier this year, Leach was inspired to take action after losing his grandfather to cancer. He approached Richard Brambley, director of St. Michaels University Middle School, with a plan to raise funds for the charity that provides wigs and support for children facing hair loss due to cancer treatments.

“Ellis knocked on my office door unannounced, shared his idea, and asked for my thoughts,” Brambley said. “It was a really easy and obvious yes.” With the school learning about Terry Fox and other cancer charities, students rallied to support Leach’s cause.

Leach organized a casual dress day at school where students paid $5 to wear regular clothes instead of their uniforms. The event was a massive success, garnering support from every student and raising more than $1,100. In total, Leach’s efforts have brought in over $3,500 for the charity through his fundraising page.

“I realized a lot of people can do a lot when they put their heads together,” Leach stated. His generous fundraising allowed him to keep his promise and cut off more than 13 inches of hair.

Describing the haircut experience, Leach expressed a mix of excitement and nervousness. “It was kind of scary. I was also kind of excited,” he said. The impact of his donation is already being felt, as Bev Friesen, chairperson of Wigs for Kids BC, emphasized the importance of such donations.

“The wigs have played a huge role in a child’s recovery,” Friesen noted. “They help kids get back to school, sports, and friendships. We are so grateful for Ellis’s donation.”

Leach believes his actions were the right thing to do and hopes his hair brings joy to the recipient. Brambley praised Leach’s courage, stating, “It takes a lot of courage to do what he’s done.”

As Ellis enjoys his new shorter hairstyle, he hints at possibly growing his hair again in the future for another donation. For now, he has made a significant impact on the lives of children facing cancer treatments, proving that one child’s effort can inspire a community.

Stay tuned for more updates on community initiatives like this one, demonstrating the power of compassion and the difference one person can make.