Big chop for charity

WHITE Hills’ Amcal pharmacy was transformed into a makeshift hairdressing salon last weekend for a good cause.

Pharmacist Mita Jhaveri said goodbye to 40 centimetres of her previously uncut hair, with the big chop made to donate to Variety’s Hair with Heart initiative.

“I’ve always had long hair because my mum wanted long hair, and hers wouldn’t grow,” she said. “I just got so used to it, I never had it cut.”

As part of the program, her donation will now be made into a wig for someone who has lost their hair from a long-term medical condition like alopecia.

Ms Jhaveri said she wanted to contribute to the charity’s initiative after hearing about others giving their locks.

In addition to her hair, Ms Jhaveri is also raising money for Variety’s work which includes offering grants, programs, scholarships and youth-focused events to kids up to 17 years of age affected by sickness, disability or disadvantage.

“I’ve aimed for $2000 and I’m almost there, really,” she said. “That’s from friends, family and a few customers too.”

After the cut, Ms Jhaveri said her hair felt heavy to hold in her hands and she was unsure of what she might do with what remains.

She has now joined over 41,000 people who have participated in the Hair with Heart initiative, and almost 7000 individuals fundraising for the cause.

Her most recent charitable effort follows successful Biggest Morning Tea events hosted at the pharmacy and her home earlier this year, which raised $1500 for Cancer Council.