A GENEROUS Mount Gambier girl will part with her “Rapunzel” locks to raise funds and awareness for a vital foundation.
Gemma Irons, 10, will cut off a minimum of 35cm soon, donating her hair and funds raised to Variety – the Children’s Charity.
“My hair will be made into a wig for someone who has lost their hair due to a medical condition,” Gemma said.
“I feel children who have lost their hair may get bullied at school and it is not nice to be bullied for being different.
“Their heads would get cold very easily and my hair can go to them so they do not get teased.”
Wigs cost families up to $6000 and last for one to two years, meaning families can spend tens of thousands of dollars on the purchase of wigs throughout a child’s youth.
Gemma shares a special connection with the movement, having lost a family member to cancer.
“My granddad passed away from cancer, but he still had his hair,” Gemma said.
“In a way I am doing this to help him.
“My grandma has helped me a lot throughout the process, creating my flyers and posters and asking community members to donate items.”
Gemma and her family have been working tirelessly throughout the process, organising events to raise their fundraising goal.
“With an original goal of $1500, we have exceeded our expectations, already reaching that amount,” Gemma’s mother Chantelle Irons said.
“We reached our goal at the disco we just held at the Tree House Play Café last month.
“So far we have raised $1746, so anything we receive from now on will be a bonus.”
Selling raffle tickets and holding the disco, Gemma will also be hosting a barbecue this weekend at Harvey Norman.
“Anyone you talk to, they are just amazed and immediately put their hands up to help,” Ms Irons said.
“The hair preparation involved before it is cut amazed me.
“We also had to work out if she could do it because of her age and the laws and regulations behind fundraising and raffles.”
Gemma has been growing her hair since the age of three.
“I would encourage others to cut their hair so they can help people like I am,” she said.
Gemma feels she is giving back to the community and hopes to inspire others to do the same.
Red Ivie Hairdressing will host Gemma’s hair chop on December 16, where she will cut off more than three quarters of her hair.
