Sheared for breast cancer
Fort Simpson offices raise money during Dress for the Cause
Roxanna Thompson
Northern News Services
Published Thursday, October 30, 2014
LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON
Heads and legs were shaved, pink clothing was worn and funds were raised in Fort Simpson as a variety of workplaces participated in Dress for the Cause on Oct. 24.
John Dempsey, the manager of the Northern in Fort Simpson, starts at the back while shaving John Dewar's hair to raise money for breast cancer research. A crowd gathered to watch Dewar and Dan Quevillon have their heads shaved as part of Dress for the Cause on Oct. 24. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo
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The annual event organized by the Breast Cancer Society of Canada challenges Canadians to host pink-themed events to raise funds for breast cancer research. Last year Jocelyn MacLean, a career development officer at the Department of Education, Culture and Employment in Fort Simpson, suggested that her co-workers take part in Dress for the Cause. It's a good chance to have some fun as an office and support a good cause, she said.
This year MacLean expanded her scope and invited other government offices and businesses in the village to join them in raising funds. At least seven organizations rose to the challenge while others just wanted to make a donation, she said.
"It's pretty huge," said MacLean about the increased local participation.
Staff at the Department of Transportation and the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation were particularly eager as the two offices combined forces and held a breakfast on Friday morning and also sold pink bra stickers for donations at the Northern store. The big money, however, came in for two heads of hair.
Dan Quevillon, the regional superintendent for the transportation department, and John Dewar, the district director for the housing corporation, both volunteered to have their heads shaved in return for pledges. The two men kept their word and sat under a pair of clippers wielded by John Dempsey in the Northern on Friday afternoon as a crowd watched the shearing.
"It's a good cause and I'm happy to do it," said Dewar, who'd never shaved his head for charity before.
Quevillon went a step further. After his hair was reduced to a buzz cut, he rolled up his pant legs and had Dempsey shave from the knees down. Quevillon, who'd also never shaved his head for charity or his legs for any reason, said the final touch was in response to a challenge from his boss.
"It feels weird," he said while getting used to his smooth legs.
Quevillon said he was happy to participate.
"It's an awesome cause for women and breast cancer," he said.
In total, the department and the corporation raised approximately $2,387. In addition to hosting the hair shearing, the Northern also donated food for the breakfast and kept donation boxes at the tills.
Back at the Department of Education, Culture and Employment office, approximately $800 was raised through a bake sale of pink-themed treats and pledges.
