Since the passing of his wife, Melissa Hall Reykdal, just over two years ago, Eric Reykdal has not cut his hair.
Instead, Reykdal has grown it long enough to donate his locks to a child in need, via Wigs for Kids.
Melissa and Eric, 41, had been together for 17 years, but for the last eight years of their lives together, Melissa had been battling cancer.
It started in her breasts, moved to her bones and, finally, took to her brain.
“She was very strong and was amazing at what she went through in how she didn’t complain or anything. She just tried to live her life the best she could while going through a terrible illness,” said Eric, a week ahead of his big fundraiser at O’Hares Gastropub this Sunday, Nov. 19, from 3-5 p.m.
Friends call Eric “Bird” and judging by how much hair he has (he’s barely trimmed his beard) at the moment, it wouldn’t be a shocker if an actual bird was found living in it.
He will be joined by his younger sister, Shannon Reykdal, at the fundraiser.
“That’s what little sisters do; they get up there in big brother’s business,” chuckled Shannon, 33.
“Most people have been affected by someone in their lives having a terminal or life-threatening illness. If we can give back a little bit then, why not?
“Melissa was so important in my life. Watching my brother and her go through what they went through was pretty impactful on me. She was really important.”
Because Melissa loved children, Eric thought Wigs for Kids would be the ideal fundraiser, as children afflicted with cancer are helped tremendously by wigs to boost their confidence as they undergo chemotherapy.
Eric and Shannon are former Richmond High alumni and long-time Richmond residents, who are banking on their many connections to raise at least $5,000.
As of Tuesday, their GoFundMe page showed $1,675 raised in Melissa’s honour.
At O’Hares, the pair will auction off the right to cut their hair and there will be other fun, fundraising activities, including a 50/50 draw.
This week, any Fuggles and Warlock beer purchase results in a $1 donation, as well.
Eric thinks he’ll go for a buzz cut while Shannon also expects a lengthy cut. Stylists Jenny Kimeno and Kaley Pawluk will makeover their new, short hair.
While the two combined have lots of hair, it takes about 10 to 12 ponytails and about $800 to make just one wig.
Wigs for Kids is a private, non-profit organization relying solely on donations to make durable, custom hairpieces that look just as a child’s natural hair would.
The charity’s mission is to improve the quality of life for kids dealing with cancer or other life-threatening illnesses and to provide a free wig for every B.C. child who needs one. For more information, see WigsForKidsBC.com.
The Reykdal’s fundraising page can be found at GoFundMe/com/bnf7q-Wigs-For-Kids.
Wigs for Kids at the Buck
Wigs for Kids will be holding another fundraiser at the Buck and Ear Bar and Grill on Dec. 2, from 3-6 p.m. For a $20 ticket, you will receive a burger, fries and a beverage, as well as being privy to many door prizes. There will be a silent auction, with several goods and services that would make for perfect Christmas gifts.
