Derek Neary
Northern News Services

NNSL (July 09/99) - Normally when five RCMP officers in uniform arrive at a dance, it spells bad news.

In the wee hours of Sunday morning, their presence at the Fort Simpson recreation centre foretold just the opposite. Although it's certainly not in their job description, the officers (Larry Wright, Steve Corcoran, Doug Standing, James Lang and Lance Cazon) volunteered to have their heads shaved in return for donations to the Canadian Cancer Society.

While the hair got shorter and shorter, the event itself grew into a money-making bonanza for the cancer society. After the five RCMP members got acquainted with lives without need of comb, several other community members stepped forward to help push the donations even higher.

When the shears were shut off for the final time around 1:45 a.m., the financial support had climbed in excess of $11,000, according to the RCMP.

"It's way beyond our expectations," said Cpl. Steve Corcoran, adding that the RCMP initially had a $5,000 goal in mind.

The police officers began collecting donations nine days prior to the event, entitled Cops for Cancer. They also received a sum from the Lion's Club that was raised through the dance itself. But it was the bids that put the numbers through the roof.

Things started off with a $215 bid for Sgt. Larry Wright's hair and moustache.

"That was the most fun I've ever had with $200 in my life," successful bidder Laura Lee McFadden said afterwards.

Auctioneer and Lion's Club member Reg Bellefontaine pointed out that there will be no more sweating for the hairless Wright on a hot summer night.

Wright, who added, "I've got a bunch of shampoo for sale," reminded the audience that most people in the room had been affected by cancer in one way or another and this event was a small way of making a difference.

The bidding peaked with an $875 price tag on pilot Chris Pinckard's head. The winning offer came from none other than Pinckard's own employee and fellow pilot Jean de Champlain.

"I can't believe you paid that much," Pinckard said while the shears graced his scalp. "I must be paying you too much."