Canyon Heights’ student Sarah Schmidt lost 11 inches of hair and gained almost $2,000 – all in the name of charity.

Three years ago, Sarah started seriously growing her hair, knowing those blond locks could help boost the spirits of a young person battling a serious illness.

Wigs for Kids B.C. is a volunteer program, out of BC Children's Hospital, that provides free human-hair wigs for children who have lost their hair due to cancer or other serious illnesses.

To help raise awareness for the cause, Sarah asked her teacher, Anita Pathak-Fox, about making a presentation to her Grade 6 classmates. Ms. Pathak-Fox was most supportive of the idea.

“I think it's the Power of One,” says Ms. Pathak-Fox. “It is one student who brought this idea and passion to other students in her class. This touched the students and they all wanted to help. This is the perfect example of how one person can make a difference.”

After hearing Sarah’s story, the students discussed ways they could raise money at Canyon Heights to support Wigs for Kids. The idea of a treat sale was born.

Sarah made posters to advertise the bake sale, and emails were sent to parents and teachers to notify them of the fundraiser. School district trustee Kulvir Mann also got involved, inviting the North Vancouver RCMP and local Cops for Cancer representatives.

On the day of the fundraiser, Oct. 24, every student in Division 3 at Canyon Heights brought treats to be sold.

Decorative cookies, squares and doughnuts were put on display in the multi-purpose room, for students and staff to purchase throughout the morning. Local police officers also stopped by and made generous donations.

All the treats evaporated.

The following morning, on live TV, Sarah had 11 inches of her hair cut – as part of the annual Global BC Hair Donation Day and in support of the Canadian Cancer Society and Wigs for Kids.

Through donations to her fundraising page and the school bake sale, Sarah raised close to $2,000 for the Wigs for Kids organization.

“I feel proud of the money and awareness that was raised at our school,” says Sarah. “I was also very touched with all of the help and support I received from my teacher, classmates and Mrs. Kulvir Mann.”