THUNDER BAY – Twelve-year-old Lauchlin Smith of Thunder Bay cut his hair for the first time in four years on Sunday in order to donate it to Angel Hair For Kids, an organization that turns donated hair into wigs for children who experience hair loss due to a variety of reasons. At the same time, he was also raising money to support The Underground Gym, a local organization that provides free access to multiple activities and meals for youth in need.
“They helped feed a lot of kids who need food and it sounded like a really good cause,” said Smith. “And Peter works really hard so I figured, why not donate to him.”
Smith raised over $600 for the Underground Gym and founder Peter Panetta says it’s a wonderful thing to see youth out in the community working to support each other.
“It’s amazing because, you know what, it’s the next generation and they need to be aware that we don’t live in an ideal society and that there are kids in need,” he said.
“There are vulnerable children and if they can do something for them, that’s awesome.”
Lauchlin’s mother, Stacey Lafleche, says that she’s very proud of her son.
“It took four years, so he’s been growing his hair since he was eight; he is now 12 and it was a long haul sometimes, he didn’t want to have that long hair,” she said. “And now it’s gone and he did donate to a great cause. We really believe in what Peter does for the children in the community.”
There are still a few days to go on Lauchlin’s fundraiser and anyone who wants to help out #lauchlinslocks can find it here!
