Gerald Basarab recently got his hair cut for just the fourth time in the past 12 years.

The Transcona resident makes his infrequent trip to the barber for one reason — to help kids with cancer.

"It is a beautiful way to express compassion, by giving a part of you to someone who will truly appreciate the gift," he said.

On May 3, Basarab walked into Love My Do Hair Salon on Regent Avenue to get one of his infrequent cuts.

Basarab’s hair will be donated to Evelyn’s Wig Sales and Service in Lorette, Man.

His donation will be used to help fashion wigs for children and young adults who have suffered hair loss as a result of cancer treatments or Alopecia Areata. In addition, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of wigs will be donated to Cancer Kids, the Canadian Cancer Society and CancerCare Manitoba.

"Proceeds of the sale of the wig will help cover the costs for families that cannot afford wigs for kids," he said.

As Love My Do manager Renee Vandersteen removed Basarab’s long locks, she noted he is proof that someone is never too young or old to care.

Basarab said he understands a few heads of hair isn’t going to cure cancer, but feels he is making a difference.

"No, the hair is not a cure, but the ordeal of fighting cancer for a loved one, a friend, or even a complete stranger is still part of the battle," he said.

 "And we all know or have known someone that has been, or is in the midst of, a battle with cancer."

Basarab said the decision to donate his hair is an easy one.

"Let’s stop for a moment in our daily lives, think about our fellow humans, and think about what the world would be like if you were facing with cancer," he said.

Basarab said the most difficult part of growing his hair out is maintaining it for so long. It’s not unusual for him to hear derogatory comments from passersby.

"They don’t understand why I do it. We may not have a cure for cancer yet, but by donating my hair, I feel I am making a difference in someone’s life and certainly making life for a little more comfortable for a child. I may possible bring a ray of sunshine or a smile of hope to a child’s face, this is all I can ask," he said.

Basarab, who will be booking his next hair appointment in 2017, is happy to share the reasons for donating his long locks.

"One because I can. Secondly, it is because it is a good cause. Thirdly, my hair comes from my heart and not my head. Mostly, it’s because I really care," he said.

For more information on hair donation, visit www.evelynswigs.com

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rob.brown@canstarnews.com