ARTHUR – Wendy Vroenhoven and Susan O’Neill are putting more than money on the line to support the future Aboyne Rural Hospice.
The Arthur women are getting their heads shaved in addition to a $5,000 fundraising pledge to support the “Cut for a Cause” campaign, inspired by the “Curl for a Cause” fundraiser.
“It’s a personal thing, that’s for sure, but I think all of rural Wellington County will benefit from it (the hospice),” said O’Neill.
A visit from hospice advisory board member Dr. Clarissa Burke spurred the idea during an Arthur OptiMrs meeting.
O’Neill saw designs for the future build, to be located on Wellington County’s Aboyne Campus, and recollected when she shaved her head to support a cancer research fundraiser 15 years ago.
“I thought, ‘I could do that again to raise money,’” said O’Neill.
Fellow OptiMrs member Vroenhoven “jumped right up” to join in the cause, said O’Neill.
“It’s nice to have a friend do it, and it’s a good cause,” said Vroenhoven.
She typically keeps her hair very short, but has been growing it out in anticipation of a more dramatic shave.
Both women said having a hospice closer to home will benefit those drained from having to travel to access hospice care.
“The main reason I’m doing it is time equals money,” said O’Neill.
“And for anyone that wants to pass away in a hospice, having to go to the south end of Guelph is just taxing on people that are already drained.”
O’Neill noted not everyone owns a car to get to Guelph, or has the money to make the trips.
The duo started fundraising efforts nearly a month ago, and said they’re well on their way to reaching the $5,000 goal.
The women hope to contribute to a hospice they said will “make it a little bit better for families that are enduring pain and anguish of an ill loved one,” said O’Neill.
The shave is slated for Oct. 25 at the Arthur Optimist Club at 244 Isabella Street East.
To donate to the fundraiser, visit bit.ly/cut4cause or the Aboyne Rural Hospice social media pages for a link.
