CORNWALL, Ontario – Bernice Patterson is a five-year survivor of cancer, and for the past four of those years, she has been volunteering with the Canadian Cancer Society in their Wig Salon.
The Canadian Cancer Society’s Wig Salon moved into the Cornwall Care Centre on Second St. E. in mid-March and serves women struggling with cancer in Cornwall, SD&G and Prescott-Russell.
Bernice says that around 10 women a month use their service. She will greet them at the door, take them to the salon in the Care Centre, and then they start the usually fun process of picking out the perfect wig.
“We discuss what colours they want and how they want it,” she said. “It is very relaxing.”
Patterson explained that it is satisfying work, and that people often leave with a wig and a smile.
“It is a good feeling,” she said. “When you bring them in and they go home with a smile on their face. We aim to please and help however we can.”
Many of the wigs are donated by the hair product company Pantene, although some are donated by private individuals.
People who use the Wig Salon’s services are sent home with a wig, shampoo and conditioner, and instructions on how to take care of the wig. In addition, they are also given a re-usable bag to take home with them. The re-usable bags are recycled Relay for Life T-shirts that have been turned into bags by the Comfort Quilters, who are also based in the Care Centre.
“As an organization, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do without our amazing volunteers,” said Allison St. Jean, Community Fundraising Specialist with the Canadian Cancer Society’s SD&G and Prescott-Russell office.
The month of April is Daffodil Month, when the Canadian Cancer Society encourages everyone to take the time to help support those fighting cancer. There will be daffodil pin boxes at various locations throughout Cornwall, SD&G and Prescott-Russell where people can leave a donation and take a daffodil pin that they can wear to raise awareness during April. All money raised by the campaign in the area, will stay in the area.
To make an appointment with the Wig Salon, call 613-937-0047. The service is free to all cancer patients.
