Two Enderby sisters are shedding a few inches this summer in aid of Camp Winfield.
Enderby Lion Tracy Ell and Jackie Pearase, Regional District of North Okanagan Area F director, are raising money for the camp by shaving their heads Aug. 11.
In addition to generating funds for the Easter Seals Camp, the pair, along with Enderby & District Financial general manager Ted Morrison, will be shorn of their locks as a tribute to John Harrison, long-time camp fundraiser and Enderby Lion who died in 2012.
“John raised thousands and thousands of dollars for Camp Winfield over seven years by shaving his head and collecting donations,” explained Ell. “We want to recognize his efforts, his love of children and his dedication to this wonderful organization. So we are following in his footsteps.”
Harrison raised over $2,200 in 2012 and the Enderby trio would also like to make significant donations to the camp.
Camp Winfield is one of three Easter Seals camps that provide overnight summer camping experiences to children aged six to 18 with a mental and/or physical disability. The goal is to build confidence, independence and peer interaction through fun activities including a climbing wall, water polo, wheelchair basketball and more.
More than 800 campers attend the BC Easter Seals camp each season, with the camps fully subsidized by the BC Lions Society of Children with Disabilities. Donations, fundraising events and ongoing volunteer efforts make it possible for campers to attend free of charge.
“Kids love going to summer camp and Camp Winfield gives that experience to those who might not otherwise get the chance,” noted Pearase. “Having a disabled child can mean that there is no extra money for camp so it is important that places like Camp Winfield continue. My sister, Ted and I are simply doing our bit to make camp a reality for a few of those kids.”
Pearase has no fear of the drastic haircut, having gone down to ‘the wood’ about eight years ago in a fundraiser for cancer research.
“But we have not seen my sister’s bald head since she was a baby so it could be interesting,” she added. “We have lots of hats, though.”
The Aug. 11 event includes lots of fun activities including a talent show around noon and the head shave at about 1 p.m. Visit www.eastersealscamps.ca/camp-winfield for directions to Camp Winfield.
The sisters will be donating their hair, which has a combined length of about 30 inches, to make wigs for cancer patients.
For more information on how to donate, contact Pearase at 250-838-0466 or email jpearase@gmail.com.