Donnelly boy André Benoit chose to shave his head for cancer shocking all his family members. His beloved hair was once sacred and thought to be untouchable. Benoit shocked his parents Lorrie and Gabe when he asked if he could raise money for cancer by shaving his hair. The boy shaved his head at Monique Simard’s hair salon Nine to Five Hairstyles. He began raising funds on June 17, managing to rake in over $3500. All money will be going to the Canadian Cancer society.

His hair was once a prized possession of which he would never let go. Despite his parents urgent pleas to get a decent hair cut, 13-year-old Andre Benoit just would not cut his long locks. It all changed though when Andre evaluated how many people are affected by cancer. The thoughtful young man realized that he could help others with the simple act of chopping his hair. “Lots of people have cancer and I want to help,” says the teen. “My grandmother has cancer and she was a big reason for me doing this.” Andre’s path began in early June when he approached his mom and dad with the idea of shaving his head for cancer. “Andre and I started collecting donations on June 17,” says mom Lorrie Benoit. “The head shave idea was out of the blue and it really surprised us.” Lorrie explains that Andre normally dislikes haircuts and he always wanted to keep his hair long despite his parents’ wishes. His process began with collecting money from friends and family members as pledges. The young man managed to collect a whopping $3,514with his mom Lorrie. His excitement at raising the money is evident when looking at the caring grade eight student from G.P. Vanier. “All the money he has collected will be going to the Canadian Cancer Society,” says Lorrie. “My husband and I are both very proud of what he decided to do.” Andre had his head shaved at Monique Simard’s hair salon Nine to Five Hairstyles. The hairstylist completed the duty on June 20 to a sea of observing friends and family. Now instead of covering his thoughtful eyes and joyful smile with a lengthy mop of hair, Andre features a close crop to his head. His lengthy hair once characterized his youthful, vibrant personality. Now it is evident by looking at the young man that he is concerned about his fellow man and that he wishes to help whoever he can. Andre even managed to rope his dad Gabe into shaving his head with him. “When we were going around with Andre for donations, one person joked and said ‘You should get your dad to do it too’,” says Lorrie. “And so after Andre had his hair shaved off, Gabe shaved off what little hair he had left.” Andre will be starting grade eight at G.P. Vanier in the fall and will be able to show off his new hair cut. “We are really happy about the hair cut,” says Lorrie adding that her son’s efforts impressed their entire family. “Now we don’t have to push for haircuts for quite a while.”