Giving your money, time and efforts to a cause is a great way to give back to the community but donating a treasured part of your very own being makes the act even more special.
Around 80 students from a Dubai school along with the members of the staff, parents and support staff did just that as they donated their locks for cancer patients.
The students of The Millennium School, Dubai - all girls - donated their hair together in a programme organised by the school specially dedicated to cancer patients. A team of hairdressers from Mehndi Saloon marched into the school with their aprons and scissors during the morning assembly and the students queued up to get the snip - two at a time.
Girls from kindergarten all the way to grade 12, donated a minimum 12 inches of hair and went on to donate a maximum of 20 inches. They were supported by their teachers as well as by around 100 parents who had accompanied them for the donation drive.
With Repunzel-like hair Ardra Surendran, a Grade 12 student, was one of the first students to donate the longest locks measuring 20 inches.
"I used to be complimented for my long hair by my friends and relatives and would feel good whenever I was complemented. But when I heard about how women and even children who get cancer that not only weakens them physically but also causes trauma as they lose their hair, I knew what I had to do. Through the drives conducted at my school I learnt about the difference I can make in somebody's life by a small sacrifice. The feeling of donating something close to my heart excited me and I started to grow and take care of my hair for this purpose.
"Even though my hair was precious to me, surprisingly I did not feel hurt when I chopped it off for this cause because I knew that this can help in bringing happiness in someone's life," Surendran added.
Titled as the 'Touch of Pink', the campaign saw students and faculty wearing badges to support the cause. Principal, Ms. Ambika Gulati said, "As educators, it is important to raise awareness and do our part to inculcate values and sensitize students. Activities undertaken affirm that we are all part of a community and it is our responsibility to help, respect and take care of each other. We also inspire our students to spread the 'Jewels of Kindness'. The impact was seen when a large number of members of the school community voluntarily donated their hair for patients suffering from cancer."
The campaign included a series of events such as the formation of a pink ribbon and a walk-a-thon. Dr.Anitha Sophia Biju from Aster clinic also spoke to the students on various aspects of breast cancer and expelled some of the myths surrounding it.
Sunila Shetty, the school registrar who donates her hair regularly for cancer patiens,said '' This is my way of living up to the school's motto, "We choose to Care".
Another grade 6 student Sasha D'souza, who has donated her hair for the sixth consecutive year, said 'I am happy to make a difference.' And yes, the school did just that."
The donated hair was given to Friends of Cancer Patients, Supreme Council for Family Affairs, Sharjah.
saman@khaleejtimes.com