Kayla Eldridge, eight, gets her hair cut from sister Samantha Eldridge (left) and hairstylist Lori Guerin at Zahaira in Falher to support young cancer patients who lose their hair.

Another young lady in the region has sacrificed her long hair for charity. Kayla Eldridge, eight, of Girouxville lost her locks Jan. 22 at Zahaira in Falher by owner-hairstylist Lori Guerin and her sister hairstylist Samantha Eldridge. The Grade-3 student of Ecole Routhier school in Falher donated her hair to Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton to provide real hair to young cancer victims who lose their hair from treatment. “I was nervous at first about getting my hair cut, but I am happy that I can give this hair to another young child who needs it,” says Kayla, the youngest of three daughters of Ken and Viv Eldridge. “My friends are also happy that I did this to help another young child.” Zahaira hairstylist Lori Guerin cut off 12 inches of her hair, and is proud of the young lady. “I’m very proud of Kayla because young children her age don’t often think of giving to others in need,” says Guerin. Kayla has special heart to give to others in need “She’s not just thinking of herself, but other people in need.” Her family, too, is proud of young Kayla. “I’m very proud of her for donating her hair to someone who needs it,” says mother Viv. “She made this decision all on her own.” Guerin encourages other people with long hair to take the same sacrifice. “There are more children than we know, who need this hair,” she says. “It’s a small sacrifice for one year.” “She’s been growing her hair forever,” says big sister Samantha, 17, a Grade-12 student of Vanier school in Donnelly, with a passion to pursue a hairstyling career.