From left, Rachel Berndt, Jessi Roppel, Emily, Aliya, and Lisa Berndt proudly display their newly cut locks October 11 at Sonas Hair Salon. The hair will be donated and used for wigs for cancer patients.

Hub Staff

Five locks of hair were donated by members of the Berndt family as well as their friend Jessi Roppel after they collectively raised $3,571 and counting for breast cancer research in memory of their grandmother Kathryn Hietalahti who passed away from the effects of having breast cancer last May.

The Berndts and Roppel descended on Sonas Hair Salon in Port Elgin where hairstylists donated their time to cut the girls’ hair while their father Rob had his head shaved to commend their efforts in raising the funds. Rob said the girls raised the money by asking for donations around town and at the Tiverton Fall Fair. The father said it was pretty impressive that the girls were excited to donate their hair for wigs, and joked that it was better than “having long hair with knots.”

Lisa Berndt said the girls had been counting down the days and counting sleeps ahead of the special day adding, “just doing it together as a family makes it special.”

“Every two years we donate our hair and this was in memory of my mom, she passed away last May, so we thought we would raise money for Cancer Society and make it a little more worthwhile by raising $3,571 and it’s still counting,” she said, adding that the support the family has received has been great.

Before: The long hair was on display before their haircuts. From left, Rob, Emily, Aliya, Lisa and Rachel Berndt, with friend Jessi Roppel, October 11 at Sonas Hair Salon.

Aliya Berndt was super proud to show off her donated locks.

Emily Berndt after her haircut.

Jessi Roppel was cool and collected during her haircut.

Lisa Berndt’s children watched on as she received her hair cut.

Rachel with her locks.

Rachel Berndt as she shaved her father Rob Berndt’s head October 11, at Sonas Hair Salon.