February 5, 2008 ~ Thunder Bay ~ Lakehead University is gearing up for this year’s “Cutz for Cancer” fundraiser that is expected to raise thousands of dollars in support of the Canadian Cancer Society.

The ZZ Top look-alike pictured here is Lakehead’s Manager of Residence Services David Hare who will be shaving his beard in February. With him are (l-r): Michael Snoddon, Megan Daley, Melinda Scott, Shannon Foster, Justin Janes, and Danielle Oliver.

 If you would like to make a donation to this worthy cause, contact Melinda Scott by email: resprog@lakeheadu.ca

Cutz for Cancer
It’s become tradition for students living in Residence to raise money every year in support of the Canadian Cancer Society. They do this by collecting pledges for shaving their heads, cutting their hair or, in some cases, by shaving their beards.

“The idea was first hatched by a Residence student about seven years ago and it’s been growing ever since,” says Melinda Scott, Residence Programmer. “Last year the campaign raised close to $4,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society with more than 212 students participating. 

Lakehead students are a generous lot both with their time and their money, says Residence Life Coordinator Shannon Foster. In conjunction with Residence Council, they stage a whole host of charitable activities and events in Thunder Bay, starting in mid-September with the Volunteer Fair that connects Lakehead students with non-profit and charitable organizations in the city.

As the year unfolds, Residence students get involved with the Adopt-A-Highway program (to clean up litter on a portion of Highway 11/17), the penny drive to purchase thermal socks for the clients of Shelter House, the Santa Claus Parade (where students collect non-perishable food items along the route), Toys for Tots, the January Chili Cook-off (in support of Juvenile Diabetes), Cutz for Cancer and Relay for Life (in support of the Canadian Cancer Society), and at least two food drives to supplement the food stocks distributed through the LUSU Food Bank.

David Hare, Lakehead’s Manager of Residence Services, is astounded by the generosity that Residence students display throughout the entire year and especially during the weeks leading up to the Holiday Season. 

“These young men and women amaze me,” he says.  “Some of them are living on limited and dwindling budgets because their student loans are coming to an end.  But, they still donate, and they find a way to make it work so local families can make it work too.” 

“Our students know that gifts aren’t the determining factor in making the Holiday Season enjoyable,” adds Shannon Foster. “By the same token, they all know that generosity and giving go a long way. Being on the receiving end of a kind act can make all the difference in the world.”