The Richmond-based charity that helps raise money for sick who’ve lost their hair is appealing to the public in light of last week’s theft of 150 wigs.
Wigs for Kids BC (W4K), which is headquartered in Steveston, reached out after the wigs – which were destined for children fighting cancer or other serious illnesses - were stolen from Vancouver store Eva & Co Wigs last Friday.
W4K’s Bev Friesen told the Richmond News that some of the hair collected at local “cut-a-thons” would have been used for the stolen wigs, valued at $2,500 each.
Many of which were earmarked for sick Richmond kids.
“Eva’s Wigs makes them for us,” said Friesen.
“The kids go along there to get their head sized. It’s such a shame.
“Not only is this a setback for the Wigs for Kids BC program, as we pay for these wigs, but more importantly it’s just heartbreaking for the kids who were anxiously waiting to pick up their new wigs on Monday and to proudly wear them for the start of a new school year.”
The thief, added Friesen, also made off with all of the longer ponytails, making it very difficult to make and replace the stolen ones.
Partly joking, Friesen urged people to grow their hair as fast as they can to help replace the wigs, which are made out of human hair and are sown into the wig, one hair at a time.
“People can donate, make pledges to people having their hair cut. We are hoping to host some events in October and November.
“And, by all means, contact us if you want to host your own hair-cutting event. We will help you organize it.”
Friesen said W4K is “anxious to try and replace the stolen hair as well as raising funds to help pay for the wigs.”
“Hopefully, we can turn this into a positive and continue to help BC kids live better with cancer.”
Anyone wanting to help should go online to WigsForKidsBC.com.
Vancouver Police (VPD) said the break-in happened on Sept. 7, just after 3:30 a.m., at Eva and Company Wigs at 950 West Broadway.
Cindy Yip, who works at the store, told Global News someone cut a hole in the wall from a neighbouring business and entered their closet, leading her to suspect the thief knew what he was after.
“It’s possible that someone is in possession of one or more of these wigs, and that they don’t know they’re stolen or that they were meant for sick children,” said VPD’s Sgt. Jason Robillard.
“We need people to do the right thing and come forward with information.”
The suspect is described as dark-skinned with noticeably long, black hair. He was last seen walking away from the wig store carrying a large black garbage bag and wearing a denim or blue jacket.
Anyone with information is asked to call the VPD on 604-717-0610 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.
