By Stephanie Froese

A haircut for others

Dec 21, 2010 | 5:15 AM

This is one haircut that will not soon be forgotten by one Prince Albert boy.

Eight-year-old Preston Switenky had been growing his hair for an entire year, so that it could be used to make wigs for kids whose hair has fallen out from treatments such as leukemia medication.

After a good-luck kiss from his mom, words of encouragement from Father Ivan Nahachewsky and plenty of support from his fellow students at Turgeon Community School, Preston was ready for the hair cut of his life.

The cut, which was done in at a special assembly it his school, was just one part of the donation. The school was also fundraising, with students bringing in their pennies to help pay for the cost of making a wig.

According to Jeannette Serfas, principal at Turgeon Community School, the students raised $3,143.

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“You know they went to their mom and dad and asked for change, or their grandparents or they went to their allowance or when they found a penny on the floor they picked it up,” Serfas said.

The money goes to wigs-for-kids, a non-profit organization that gives creates wigs that are specially designed to look and act like real hair.

Preston had the idea to grow his hair out after seeing others donate.

“Because father Ivan did it last year and I wanted to do it,” Preston said.

Laurie Dent, from the Canadian Cancer Society, said it’s wonderful that Nahachewsky had an impact on all the students.

“I don’t know if any of you know of anyone who’s lost their hair to cancer but it’s very hard and it’s just wonderful when that person can get a nice wig to cover up their bald head for a little while,” Dent said.

Preston said he wanted to do this because kids who lose their hair get sad and this was a good thing to do.

When asked if he was nervous Preston just shook his head no.

sfroese@panow.com