Krystal Rowden was pretty calm and modest for an eight-year-old getting her locks cut off in front of a crowd and who had just raised hundreds of dollars for Cops for Cancer.
Sitting quietly on stage, waiting to get both of her long golden brown pigtails cut off, she was asked how she managed to raise $668 for the Tour de Rock ride.
With a shrug she replied, “I just asked.”
Rowden’s gracious attitude exemplified the giving spirit of Campbell River residents who raised approximately $50,000 for the 15th annual Tour de Rock which arrived in the city Tuesday.
“That’s just amazing!” said fundraiser extraordinaire Carol Chapman, who always volunteers to do the head shaves and so much more.
Joining her on stage at Campbell River Common to cut hair and shave heads – in honour of cancer patients who lose their hair while undergoing treatment – was Ron Fortin of Ron’s Barber Shop.
He’s also a terrific supporter of Tour de Rock and this year he presented the riders with a cheque for $5,400 raised through his clients.
Several others presented big cheques too, but the biggest came from the organizers of Campbell River’s annual Cops for Cancer Golf Tournament whose players raised an incredible $34,150 this year.
“Riding into Campbell River today was special – it still feels like home,” said Tour rider Marc Lavergne who was stationed at the Campbell River RCMP detachment from 1998 to 2003.
It was also a special, yet sad, day for 66-year-old Ken McDougall. He didn’t cut his hair for three years and it all came off with Fortin’s shears in honour of a great friend.
“This is for my friend, Clarence Kelly of Woss. He’s dying of cancer and he could go in the next month,” said McDougall.
Since 1998, the Tour has raised close to $18 million for the Canadian Cancer Society, which uses the money to fund paediatric cancer research and programs that help children with cancer and their families.
To donate to Cops for Cancer or to follow the riders’ journey to Victoria, visit www.tourderock.ca