Mikayla Volkers, a seven-year-old from Comox, surpassed her goal to raise $1,500 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).
According to her mother, Ria Volkers, the final number isn't in yet, but already the tally is around $1,850.
"It's pretty exciting," says Ria, adding she expects a bit more to come in from a local school initiative. "I wouldn't be surprised if we make $2,000."
Mikayla joined forces with an Australian girl, 11-year-old Rebekah Holt, to generate awareness about Type 1 diabetes and fundraise for JDRF.
Although Mikayla does not have diabetes, Holt has had Type 1 diabetes since she was three, and Mikayla wanted to help Holt meet her fundraising goal of $10,000. Including the money from Mikayla, Ria says Holt's tally is at about $17,000.
They dubbed their campaign Cut for the Cure, and both girls, who previously had long tresses, cut their hair on Nov. 14, which was World Diabetes Day.
Mikayla had never had more than a trim before, and Ria explains it was tough for the seven-year-old when it came time for the big chop.
"She was pretty quiet during the haircut," says Ria, adding there were a few tears. "But within a few hours she was fine, and by the next day she was saying, 'You know, maybe I can grow my hair out again and do this again sometime, Mom.'"
Deb Deluca of Bellini Hair Studio donated her services to give Mikayla her stylish bob.
For more information on JDRF visit www.jdrf.ca.
writer@comoxvalleyrecord.com