Donations to Wig Charities Spike as Canadians Donate Pandemic Hair

Toronto - Non-profit organizations in Canada that create wigs for children with medical conditions are experiencing a surge in donations as some individuals have gone without a haircut for over a year due to the pandemic. Wigs for Kids Canada, a non-profit that creates wigs out of human hair for children with cancer and other medical conditions, is receiving more donations than ever before due to extended closures of hair salons and barbershops throughout COVID-19. The manager of Wigs for Kids Canada, Carlo (CJ) Turavani, mentioned that the organization has seen a rise in donations, with an average of 200 donations per week compared to the previous average of 160 to 180 donations.

At Wigs for Kids, children can receive a wig and have it styled and shaped to their preferences in Turavani’s family hair studio. Turavani added that the wigs also help with bullying in in-person classes and with the transition to online learning due to the pandemic.

While the Canadian Cancer Society no longer accepts hair donations, several other organizations continue to make wigs for children who require them, including Chai Lifeline Canada and A Child’s Voice Foundation.

Orly Davis, Director of Operations at Chai Lifeline Canada, stated that the organization's wig program increased in popularity throughout the pandemic due to salon closures and they are receiving up to 10 hair donations per day. However, receiving a wig can be a bittersweet experience for the children. A Child’s Voice Foundation has seen a 20% increase in donations and inquiries about donations.

Donating hair requires a minimum length of 25 to 35 centimetres, depending on the organization. Wigs for Kids Canada does not accept dyed hair, whereas Chai Lifeline will accept it. However, gray or white hair is accepted by both organizations since they dye the hair after receiving it.

Creating Wigs for Children

Creating a wig for a child can be a costly endeavor that may require upwards of $2,000. Fortunately, the expenses are covered by financial donations received from generous individuals. Additionally, it is worth noting that it may take more than 30 hair donations to produce a single wig for a child.

Recycling Wigs for Those in Need

Once a child has used a wig and no longer requires it, Chai Lifeline takes back the wig in order to recycle it for another child who is in need. According to Davis, the organization receives tremendous support in this effort with many families choosing to return their wigs to aid those in similar situations. For children who have overcome the challenges of hair loss, returning the wig is a symbol of triumph and release from such difficult experiences.