Summer brings an increase in hair donations to Central Plains Cancer Services as many people, especially young donors, choose to cut their hair in support of those affected by cancer.
Sharilyn Knox, executive director of Central Plains Cancer Services, notes this has become a popular summer activity for young people.
“Especially young people, it’s like their summer thing to do is to cut their hair,” she says. “Often they do it for a reason of, somebody that they love or somebody that they know has battled cancer.”

Hair donations support real-hair wigs
Knox explains the donated hair is collected locally before being sent to a company in British Columbia that creates real-hair wigs for cancer patients experiencing hair loss due to treatment.
“We have a program where we allow people to drop off their hair at our office and then we collect it and we send it out to BC to a company that makes wigs,” she continues.
Donated hair must meet specific requirements, including being at least eight inches long and untreated.
Knox adds that while wigs remain an important resource, preferences are shifting.
“Wigs, we often find, aren’t used as much as they were, say, 10, 15, 20 years ago,” she says.
She remarks that many patients find wigs uncomfortable, especially in warm weather, and often choose other types of headwear instead.

Community involvement increases in summer
Beyond hair donations, Central Plains Cancer Services is active in the community throughout summer months.
Knox mentions their educators and supporters take part in local events such as markets, barbecues, and lemonade stands.
“Summer is a time for us that we get involved in a lot of community events,” she says. “You’ll see our one of our educators Karen out at different things. We have people, local businesses that have barbecues in our support, so we help support that. You’ll see lemonade stands throughout the region.”
Upcoming wellness retreat for cancer survivors
Knox highlights an upcoming event designed to support women who have experienced cancer and are now survivors or thrivers.
“We have a Wellness retreat coming up in October for women who’ve experienced cancer, who are survivors or thrivers who are not currently in treatment,” she mentions. “Registration has just recently opened with limited spots of 30 people, and we’ve already seen registrations fly in.”
She encourages anyone interested to register soon.
Easy access for donors
Central Plains Cancer Services makes donating hair easy for those interested.
“People can just pop in,” Knox adds. “We’re open Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.”
CPCS is located at 318 Saskatchewan Ave E in Portage la Prairie.
Knox emphasizes the importance of community involvement in supporting cancer patients and survivors.
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