When Ellis Leach first started growing his hair three years ago, it was simply because he liked the look of long hair. But as time went on, and after losing his grandfather to cancer, the Grade 6 St. Michaels University School student found a more meaningful reason to keep growing it — until he could cut it off for a cause.
“I thought, instead of cutting my hair for no reason, why not cut it for a cancer wig?” said Ellis. “It just made sense.”
With help from his parents, Ellis connected with Wigs for Kids BC, a program that provides custom-made wigs for children who have lost their hair due to cancer treatment or other medical conditions. To make an even bigger impact, Ellis worked out a plan with help from Richard Brambley, Director of Middle School, to turn the donation into a fundraiser, setting a goal to raise $1,000 before parting with his long, blonde locks.
That goal didn’t last long. Within hours of launching his fundraising page, Ellis’s campaign took off.
“We passed $1,000 in about two hours,” he said. “I was just in utter shock — it hadn’t even been a day!”
Now, with more than $2,000 raised, Ellis’s haircut is officially booked for Oct. 24.
In support of his initiative, the Middle School hosted a Service Day. Students could opt out of their uniform and wear casual clothes if they bring a donation for Ellis’s fundraiser.
Ellis spoke at a recent Middle School assembly to share his story — and to rally support with humour and heart.
“You might know me for my luscious locks,” he joked, as his peers cheered him on. His exuberant delivery and genuine enthusiasm helped spark even more excitement for the cause.
Ellis admits there is a feeling of both excitement and nerves for the big day.
“I’m going to have to adjust,” he said. “My mom told me that at first I might not like it, but the more I see it, the more I’ll get used to it.”
He’s trusting his family barber to help choose a new style, but says the motivation behind the cut makes it all worth it.
“I hope whoever gets my hair enjoys it and likes their wig,” Ellis said. “I just want them to feel better about having hair again.”
The experience, he added, has made him think differently about helping others. Rather than an instant change, Ellis said it’s been a gradual process — something that’s helped him grow and understand what integrity means in action.
When asked what advice he’d give to other students who might want to support a cause they care about, Ellis doesn’t hesitate:
“Do it. Just do it. It’s worth it.”
To make a donation, visit Ellis's fundraising page here.
