AJ Bernard of Wagmatcook is seen with his own braids of hair shortly after he had them cut off for donation to the Wigs for Kids program. Submitted photo.

~Carolyn Barber

Nine-year-old AJ Bernard of Wagmatcook decided that Dec. 28 was the day for his monumental haircut.

AJ began growing his hair for donation two and one-half years ago in memory of his grandfather who died from cancer. Part way to his goal, cancer also took a family friend. The Standard first spoke with AJ in June 2017 at the Victoria Highlands Civic Centre (VHCC) just before his ball hockey game. He had been growing his hair for a year then and had it styled in corn braids to keep it out of his eyes. At the time, he planned to grow his hair eight inches for donation, but then changed his mind.

“He enjoyed his long hair,” said AJ’s mom, Katie Bernard. “At eight inches, he felt it wasn’t the length he wanted to donate. He felt once it was 15 inches, he was ready to let go of it and pass it on to someone that needed it.”

During the appointment at Hypnotic Hair Design & Barber Shop in Baddeck, hairstylist and shop proprietor Chelsie Richards spent an hour weaving AJ’s 15-inch long hair into 20 separate braids. One by one, she cut off the foot-long braids, depositing each into a plastic bag before mailing it. Getting the process right for clients is important to Richards.

“It's my passion. I'm in it to help people. It's totally worth it to take that time and help someone else that has been literally growing their hair for two to three years.”

Richards has been helping clients like AJ since she became a stylist over five years ago. She encourages clients to donate hair to Wigs for Kids which helps kids suffering from hair loss. The Canadian Cancer Society’s Beautiful Lengths program was another preferred organization, but the program stopped taking hair donations as of Dec. 31 due to increased preference by cancer patients for synthetic hair.

On Jan. 8, AJ’s mom Katie received an email from Wigs for Kids acknowledging receipt of the braids.

“I’m happy that I sent it to them,” said AJ that same day before he hit the ice at VHCC.

He plays left wing forward for the Baddeck Bobcats Atom C hockey team. His love for the game remains unchanged. He also has a new hockey hero Edmonton Oilers’ centre, and captain, Connor McDavid.

“He’s the fastest in the league. Watching him play helps me on the ice.”

Feeling inspired to grow and donate your hair? Visit wigsforkids.org or call Chelsie at Hypnotic Hair Design & Barber Shop at 902- 304-6916.

Know a child in Victoria County trying to help others? We’d love to hear about it. Call the Victoria Standard at 902295-1144 or email [email protected].