Emma Stevens was a baby when she last had her hair cut above her neck.
Knowing her red locks could made into a wig for someone going through cancer treatment, she decided it was time to go back in time three decades.
Stevens had her hair chopped off last week and raised $1,065 for the Canadian Cancer Society's Cops for Cancer campaign.
"I did discuss with my hairdresser doing the mohawk thing but that would be a bit too dramatic," said Stevens, an administrator for the North District RCMP detachment.
"I wanted a haircut and thought I might as well donate the hair I have to be made into wigs for people going through cancer treatment and because I work with the RCMP I decided Cops for Cancer would be a good place to donate the money to."
Stevens presented a long thick braid of her hair this week to Erin Reynolds of the Canadian Cancer Society's Northern regional office at the Kordyban Cancer Lodge on Alward Street. The hair will be sent to Vancouver and made into a wig. Stevens liked the fact the wigs are provided free for the people who need them, adults or children. Anybody can donate hair to the program. Information on how to contribute is at cancer.ca.
"When discussing my plan with friends, someone convinced me to see if people would donate or pledge money for me to get my hair cut, since my long red hair is something I am known for and I've had most of my life," said Stevens.
"I sent out a few emails and only expected to raise maybe a couple hundred dollars so I am very pleased I was able to collect $1,065 in generous donations from my family, friends and colleagues."
Now left with a jaw-level bob that's shorter in the back, Stevens took some good-natured ribbing from some of the male RCMP officers who asked her why she didn't get her head shaved.
"It's no big deal for them because they only grow their own hair out like three inches," said Stevens. "At the moment I have no hair touching the back of my neck and it feels strange. It's so much cooler for the summer."
The Cops For Cancer tour from Dawson Creek to Williams Lake comes to Prince George on Sept. 17. Stevens said there will be more haircuts that day to raise money for the program.
