Most people take a trip to the hairdresser or barber on a regular basis and do not think twice about this. “Variety – the Children’s Charity” supports children and families who are facing many challenges through sickness, disadvantage or living with a disability.

One of the areas that this organisation provides support is through their Hair with Heart programme by providing wigs to children who have lost their hair due to Alopecia or other medical conditions, such as cancer. Cancer patients who undergo chemotherapy treatment often lose their hair and become bald, which can make them feel embarrassed. Wigs give these children more confidence and improve their self-esteem, so they can feel more like themselves again.   On average, it takes 10 to 15 ponytails to make one wig. When “Hair with Heart” receives donations of hair, they send it to specialised wig makers who make wigs for those who need them. The charity is given money for the hair, which goes directly back into Variety’s programmes, helping Australian children in need. Wigs cost families up to $6,000 and generally last only one to two years, meaning families can spend tens of thousands of dollars on the purchase of wigs throughout a child’s youth.   Last week I visited my hairdresser to have my hair cut into a different style, knowing I was about to donate my hair to “Hair with Heart”. I loved my hair and I am hoping that now through my donation someone else probably does too.

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