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It's a different take on the Okanagan College’s Haircuts for Healthcare challenge.
Valhalla Angels Kelowna president Grant Lawrence and Okanagan College regional dean Phil Ashman are now sporting pink Peaky Blinders inspired haircuts.
The fundraiser began back in mid-March and wrapped up on Monday where the pair got a pink version of the infamous Peaky Blinders' ‘Tommy Shelby’ haircut after raising more than $5,400.
Many got involved in the challenge, including Kelowna Mayor Colin Basran and Westbank First Nation Chief Christopher Derickson, who shaved their heads after both leaders raised over $23,000.
“I enjoy the Peaky Blinders series so I thought this could be a fun campaign while supporting our community and students during this time,” says Lawrence.
Lawrence suggested a Peaky Blinders haircut, but Okanagan College Foundation executive director Helen Jackman heard “Pinky Blinders,” and a trendsetting haircut was born.
“With COVID-19, generating funds to support the education of health care professionals was an easy cause to get behind,” adds Lawrence.
The two also waxed their chests, as part of a tiered fundraising challenge, while Ashman was also tasked with waxing his legs. Ashman says he will do almost anything to help students.
“When we started talking about this, I didn’t think it would get this far,” says Ashman.
“Thanks to generous benefactors we were able to raise more than $5,000 to support our future health care workers. The haircut and the waxing seem like a small price to pay for such a great cause.”
“This community fundraiser gave us many smiles during the last several months as we watched people bravely pass the clippers to their spouses or even their kids,” says Jackman.
“During an uncertain time, we’re grateful to the community for embracing this fundraiser that will ensure we continue to have the skilled, essential health care professionals we need for our hospitals, seniors homes, and other health care settings.”
422 people donated, raising $44,672 in total with all the proceeds going to the school’s new $18.9 million Health Sciences Centre.
