On Mother’s Day, which in Brazil and other countries was celebrated on May 12, the IBES Adventist School in Villa Velha, Espirito Santo, promoted an awareness campaign for hair donations involving students, employees, and the local community.
The initiative took place in a public square, where a station was set up to cut hair and receive hair donations for mothers with cancer. The donated locks will be transformed into wigs and are destined to mothers and other women in partnership with the nonprofit Support Group for People with Cancer (GAPC).
The campaign focused on promoting hair donation and other essentials such as headscarves and toiletries. Organizers treated participants with care and attention, helping them to feel comfortable as they contributed at the special drive.
Partnership and Solidarity
The initiative resulted from a collaboration between IBES Adventist School, a local beauty salon, Meridional Hospital Network, and GAPC.
IBES principal Marina Faria expressed her gratitude for the participation and support of all those involved. “This campaign not only honors mothers but also offers hope and support to women facing cancer. We are touched by the spirit of solidarity shown by our school and local community,” she said.
Valentina, a kindergarten student, shared her experience. “It was really cool,” she said. “It’s the first time I’ve participated in an initiative like this. Donating 10 centimeters [4 inches] of my hair was a small gesture compared to the affection I would like to give. But it was worth it, and I know I’ll leave someone smiling.”
The donations will be given to an organization that assists women with cancer. [Photo: ASES Media Center] 
The hair donation initiative took place in a public square in the city of Villa Velha, Espirito Santo, Brazil. [Photo: ASES Media Center] 
A student at IBES Adventist School holds a freshly cut lock of hair to be donated. [Photo: ASES Media Center]
Bonds of Friendship
Ana Beatriz, a nutritionist at Meridional Hospital, shared the special meaning behind her gesture. “Recently, one of my best friends found out she has cancer. The news came as a shock to everyone. I am by her side, hoping she recovers as soon as possible, but I know it’s a process. Donating my hair is a way to show my love and support, showing that I am here for whatever she needs,” she shared.
More than 90 locks of hair were donated. All those locks were sent to GAPC, which will make wigs and forward the donations to more than 100 women currently being assisted by that non-governmental organization.
About IBES Adventist School
The school was founded in 1974 with just two classrooms, when a group of members of the IBES Seventh-day Adventist Church took the first steps to build a Christian school in the city of Villa Velha. The founders’ desire was to educate young people to become healthy, intelligent, engaged, and God-fearing citizens.
With its motto “Committed to the Student’s Future,” IBES Adventist School has always motivated students to engage in community work, such as collecting food and clothing for the neediest communities; holding parades to alert the population about the dangers of alcohol, smoking, and drugs; and carrying out projects to promote good stewardship of the environment.
The original version of this story was posted on the South American Division Portuguese-language news site.
