H

span class="caption" style="width: 468px;">High and tight: Men and women have their heads shaved during the “Shave for Hope” event to benefit children with cancer. JP/Novia D. RulistiaHundreds of people lined up at a mall in South Jakarta, not in a hunt for bargains, but to get their heads shaved to help children with cancer.

Men and women went bald, although several women opted to play safe with just a bob cut. “I’ve always wanted to go for the bald look but never found the right occasion. This event is perfect, besides doing something good, I can also get what I want,” Elizabeth Zoraya Paskarini said. “I was nervous at first, but it feels good. It’s refreshing.”

Another participant, long-haired Owena Ardra, 17, said she was glad to know that she could do something that could help others in need. “It’s not just about donating money, but the money we donate comes from something that is so close to us, to help kids with cancer. I think it’s more personal,” said Owena who came with four friends.

Zoraya and Owena were among the 1,064 participants who had their heads shaved in the Shave for Hope charity event on Sunday. The event was held to raise money to help children with cancer. All cut hair would be sold to a local wig producer for Rp 100,000 (US$10.56) per head.

Males who participated in the event had to completely shave their heads, while females with long hair needed to cut a minimum length of 10 centimeters. For those with short hair, the only choice was to go bald.

“The response was surprising. So many people showed up today to support the event,” said Audrey Anjani of Shave for Hope. “All proceeds will be donated to Yayasan Pita Kuning Anak Indonesia [Indonesian Children’s Yellow Ribbon Foundation, YPKAI], a community for children with cancer.”

Similar social movements have been organized in other countries like the United States, Australia and Singapore.

YPKAI was first established in 2007 to help children and their families cope with the psychological and social needs of cancer treatment.

Tyas Amalia Yahya, a volunteer with the YPKAI, said that they accompanied children during blood-sample tests and provided counseling for the children and their families. “We also facilitate treatment funding for children from low-income families,” she said.

Currently, it has around 40 trained volunteers, including doctors and psychologists. The programs take place from Monday through Friday at Dharmais Cancer Hospital in West Jakarta.