Chopping the locks for cancer
Natalie, when she was just seven years old and in Grade One, decided that she wanted to cut her hair off to donate it to charity after hearing of a child who had lost her hair after receiving chemotherapy treatment. Natalie wanted to ensure a wig was made for the patient, "to make her look pretty."
Taking inspiration from a 10-year-old.
A young local resident and learner at Unicorn Preparatory School, Natalie Swanepoel, has inspired others to donate their hair to a charity that makes wigs for cancer patients, CANSA.
Natalie, when she was just seven years old and in Grade One, decided that she wanted to cut her hair off to donate it to charity after hearing of a child who had lost her hair after receiving chemotherapy treatment. Natalie wanted to ensure a wig was made for the patient, “to make her look pretty.”
CANSA provide the wigs to cancer patients free of charge.
Natalie donated 27cm in 2015 and then allowed her hair to grow back in order to donate again in 2017. Now 10 years old, Natalie wishes to keep donating her hair for the worthy cause.
Natalie’s Mom, Mandi-Lee Swanepoel told the Herald, “we are extremely proud of her. She is a very special child and so thoughtful in everything she does.”
After hearing about Natalie’s big heart and generous donations, Herald’s very own reporter, Beth Coetzee decided she too would donate her hair and chopped 25cm off for the charity. Soon after hearing of this, another Tzaneen resident and Merensky teacher, Nadia Claasen did the same!
Read: VIDEOS AND PICTURES: Community dares to care at Shavathon
CANSA ran a shavathon at selected shopping centres last weekend, including Mall of the North, Polokwane. A further three CANSA shavathons have taken place throughout Polokwane this month. Don’t forget that there is a Shavathon tomorrow (Saturday) at Tzaneen Lifestyle Centre. People are encouraged to shave or spray their hair and contribute a donation of R50 for CANSA.
Workplaces and organisations will also be hosting events throughout the country from the 26th February to the 2nd March 2018.
Fancy a new ‘do and want to donate your hair? Here’s what you need to do…
Ponytail donations must be a minimum of 25 cm or longer.
Hair should be clean and dry.
All hair whether dyed or treated is acceptable. However, dreadlocks cannot be accepted.
When cutting the hair, please bind both ends with an elastic band and place in a zip-lock bag (this preserves it in the best condition while being transported to the wig manufacturer).
Read: Coloured or cut for CANSA Shavathon
Send your hair donation in a plastic bag with your name and contact details on it to:
For Att: Lucinda Carter
CANSA Head Office
P.O. Box 2121,
Bedfordview
2008
More information can be found on the CANSA website: https://www.cansa.org.za/
