About Cuts for Cancer

Cuts for Cancer is an annual event in which students are given the unique opportunity to help ease the suffering of children and cancer sufferers, both around the world and locally. Young adults collect donations and pledges to shave or cut their hair to be made into children's wigs. The funds raised are donated to the Canadian Cancer Society, where they will be put towards supporting cancer research and cancer treatments.

Shaving your head is a great way to show support for those suffering from long-term medical hair loss, particularly due to cancer. It demonstrates your dedication to understanding and sharing the experience with cancer patients everywhere. Admittedly, shaving your head can be an extreme sacrifice and may not be something everyone is willing to commit to. Cuts for Cancer offers the opportunity to show your support while keeping some hair on your head. Professional hair cutting services are provided for those willing to cut and donate at least 8" of healthy hair.

Hair donations 10" in length or longer are donated to Angel Hair for Kids to be made into wigs for children who suffer long-term medical hair loss -- most notably due to chemotherarpy treatments or the autoimmune disease Alopecia areata, for which there is no known cause or cure. Hair donations between 8" and 10" are sent to Eva and Co., a company which produces wigs at a discount for those in need. These prostheses help to restore self-esteem and confidence, enabling children to face the world and their peers while enjoying life and being themselves. About 15 ponytails are required to produce one wig, which has a market value of $3000 (USD) -- which means that every ponytail we receive has a value of $200 (USD)!

Various Cuts for Cancer events have been held by numerous organizations. The University of British Columbia has been holding an annual Cuts for Cancer event since March of 2005, run by the UBC Cancer Association. Other annual Cuts for Cancer events are also held by Queen's University and the University of Toronto. Please visit www.cutsforcancer.com for more information about the various sites.

The Cuts for Cancer Philosophy

The primary focus of Cuts for Cancer is on the physical and mental well-being of existing and future cancer patients. In order to make the biggest positive impact on these members of society, we strive to accomplish the following:

1. Create and maintain a well-organized system of operation that is sustainable, continuously growing and improving years after its creation
2. Maintain a positive relationship with the community, whose support is essential in the success of Cuts for Cancer
3. Focus on raising cancer awareness and easing the hardships endured by cancer patients as the most essential aspects of our operation. Success is not measured in terms of monetary value; but rather, on the fact that we are making a difference.

Thus, the coordinators of Cuts for Cancer constantly review and analyze their operation to ensure that the above objectives are met during every step of the planning and execution stages.

The Cuts for Cancer Budget and Financial Plan

Cuts for Cancer operates under what we call Operation Zero Budget, meaning that we will not, under any circumstances, use the donations intended to go towards cancer research and treatment towards the cost necessary to operate our event. Improper use of donations is dishonest, can potentially cause serious legal consequences, and violates our goal to maintain a positive relationship with the community. Therefore, 100% of the funds raised by Cuts for Cancer participants goes directly to the Canadian Cancer Society.

In order to hold Cuts for Cancer, a project that costs approximatley $1200 each year, we seek sponsorship from AMS clubs, community businesses, and corporations. We host other events, such as bake-sales and silent auctions that are dedicated specifically to raising the funds necessary for any expenses not covered through sponsorship. Additionally, we apply for funding and grants from the AMS and other institutions. In the past, we have been able to collect enough money by way of sponsorship to reduce the money needed to hold Cuts for Cancer from other events and grants to $150.

If you have any questions about our financial plans, please contact Vivian or Cynthia at finance@cutsforcancer.net.

About the UBC Cancer Association

The UBC Cancer Association was formed as a result of the need for cancer-related support and education on the University of British Columbia campus. Although the UBC Cancer Association organizes many events, such as educational workshops for cancer prevention and detection and exciting fundraisers for cancer research and treatment, Cuts for Cancer is the association's main event each year.

For more information about the UBC Cancer Association, see our club site at www.ams.ubc.ca/clubs/cancer.

About the Canadian Cancer Society

The Canadian Cancer Society is a national, community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is to eradicate cancer and enhance the quality of life for people living with cancer. The Canadian Cancer Society provides leading financial support for cancer research and delivers community-based support programs and prevention information for all types of cancer.

For more information about the Canadian Cancer Society, see www.cancer.ca.

About Angel Hair for Kids

Angel Hair for Kids is a Canadian non-profit organization that provides quality wigs for children rom financially disadvantaged families at no cost. These hair prostheses enable children to face the world and their peers, allowing them to build their self-confidence and better enjoy life.

For more information about Angel Hair for Kids, see www.achildsvoicefoundation.com.