Four members of CUPE Local 4324, employees at the Redvers Activity Centre, are planning to shave their heads for cancer research – if they can each raise their $500 fundraising goal.

The Redvers Activity Centre located in the town of Redvers, Saskatchewan provides vocational employment, residential and social programs for persons with developmental disabilities and chronic mental illness. Over the past few years, the program participants and staff have been touched by the shadow of cancer.

Tracy Akins, President of CUPE Local 4324, speaks about how her local wanted to take action.

“Sometimes, as staff, the participants become more like our family and less like our job, and when cancer touches them, it touches us too,” said Akins. “We are not here for the job; we are here for the people, and cancer will not take them away!”

The local decided to host a tea and bake sale at its facility. As an added incentive to raising money for breast cancer, four members made a small side challenge to raise money for the Canadian Cancer Society. Vicky Blezy, Karen Keen, Rita Parker and Linda Jeffries challenged one another to raise $500 each for the cause, and upped the ante by agreeing to get their heads shaved once they reach the $500 goal.

“We are hopeful we will reach our fundraising goal, and that it will help raise awareness and finances to combat cancer,” added Akins.

If you are interested in making a donation, cheques can be sent to:

CUPE Local 4324
P.O. Box 337
Redvers, SK S0C 2H0