We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.

– Sir Winston Churchill

Life is crazy.

Working 9 to 5 – sometimes even longer, then dealing with everything else — running errands, doing stuff around the house and spending time with family and friends. Sometimes it seems like there isn’t enough time in the day to get everything done.

So when any industry volunteers their time to give back, consistently, I think it deserves recognition.

The beauty industry has an amazing reputation for always taking the time to pay it forward.

I was introduced to the Hair Donation Ottawa organization a few years ago.  The one day event raises funds for cutting edge child and adult cancer research and empowers kids with hair loss by providing them with free wigs. Hair Stylists and Barbers volunteer their time and talent cutting and styling or shaving donors hair.

Without these volunteers this event would not be possible.

Eli Saikaley and Ramsey Sayah, who are both salon owners and business leaders in Ottawa, have been actively involved with the event over the past several years and have shared why they choose to volunteer their time every year.

I love doing this event because I love to give back doing something that I’m really good at. People really respect, love, appreciate and make me feel like a celebrity that day. All I’m doing really is giving my time and energy to something that will help make someone’s life easier and hopefully happier. I wouldn’t miss it for the world. It makes me feel proud, I sleep so well that night.

– Ramsey Sayah, Texture Hair Salon | Texture Hair Boutique | Texture Salon et Spa

I take great pride in helping, especially when I know it will touch someone. I always felt, even before I was a stylist and salon owner, that it was very important for me to help and give back any way I can. The feeling of helping people in need is amazing, it is something that money cannot buy.

– Eli Saikaley, Silver Scissors Salon | Water Salon Spa

Not only is this chance for you to pay it forward, just look at the MASSIVE impact giving your time will have on our community:

  • Support cutting edge adult and childhood cancer research at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute and CHEO Research Institute.
  • Funds two annual $500 Bursaries to financially challenged Algonquin College Hair Stylist Program students.
  • Provides approximately 10 free wigs a year for financially challenged children in the Ottawa region.
  • With the help of Green Circle Salons all hair unsuitable for the wig-making process are sent off to be made into hair booms – helping the environment.
  • Provide head scarfs for every CHEO patient that needs one.

If you would like to volunteer your time (full day, morning or afternoon) click here to sign up.

8th Annual Hair Donation Ottawa Event
Sunday, April 15, 2018 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Algonquin College Salon & Spa
1385 Woodroffe Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario K2G 1V8
A Building, Room #A112