Media

OTTAWA, February 11, 2011  —  Faculty of Medicine students at the University of Ottawa have a bold challenge for our community this chilly winter: go bald or cut 10 inches of hair to fight childhood cancer. Last year, the med students achieved a personal best, raising over $60,000 for the annual Shave for a Cure event. This year, the students are reaching out to the public for help, as they seek to surpass last year’s total.

The students are asking Ottawans to go hairless (more or less), Friday, February 11 at 7:30 p.m. for the Shave for a Cure event during intermissions at the Ottawa 67’s game at the Rona Centre. “The more participants we have shaving or cutting their hair, the more we raise. Headshavees are key for us,” says second year medical student and event co-coordinator Maren Hamilton, who is leading by example and shaving her long locks. Maren’s “bald ambition” has already inspired others to give: this year she has personally raised almost $5,000.

For those who want to participate but not part with their hair, there are many ways to give: donating online, buying a ticket to the game, or bidding at the silent auction. The event will also feature host Chelsea Miller from Live 88.5 FM, along with clowns and numerous activities for children.

Funds raised from Ottawa’s Shave for a Cure event will be donated to Childhood Cancer Canada (CCC), the only national charity supporting the fight against childhood cancer in Canada. Programs offered by CCC directly contribute to providing support, funding research and ultimately, increasing survival rates and quality of life for pediatric cancer patients and their families.

Since its humble beginnings in 2005, when students raised just over $26,000, Shave for a Cure has become an annual tradition for the med students. Over the past four months, while balancing class, labs and exams, nine dedicated uOttawa medical students have managed to find the time to solicit sponsorships, organize activities and promote their event. This year, “we hope to continue the momentum we’ve gained over the past six years,” says Maren. “So come on Ottawa, be brave and shave!”

To become a headshavee, or purchase tickets, visit www.shaveforacure.ca.