A Cranebrook family have a special motto: ‘If you see a need and you can help, you help!’
Kristie Gibbons is mother to 12-year-old Madeline, who donated her hair last week through Variety for Hair with Heart.
So far, 896 kilograms of hair has been donated to create wigs through Hair with Heart, which the young local was eager to contribute to.
“I feel excited,” Madeline said ahead of the chop.
“My hair will be donated to the people who are sick with cancer or other medical conditions.”
This all began five years ago during a hospital visit.
“When my brother was in hospital, we saw a little kid who was going to lose her hair because of her sickness,” Madeline started, before her mum elaborated on the story.
“We did a bit of research, and we found out you can donate your hair,” Kristie explained.
“We didn’t have a lot of money at the time, and we realised you can help in other ways – it doesn’t have to be financial.”
After learning about this, Madeline grew her hair until it was long enough and donated it the following year.
Since then, the kindhearted youngster continued growing her hair so she could do it all over again – a process she plans to repeat.
“She sees need in other people and she’s always there to meet it. She’s got one of those genuinely really beautiful hearts,” Kristie described her daughter.
This year, Madeline has set a fundraising goal of $750.
You can donate online to help at https://hairwithheart.variety.org.au/fundraisers/madelinegibbons15948.
Ally Hall
Ally Hall joined the Weekender in 2024, and focuses on entertainment and community stories. She's a graduate of the University of South Australia and has previously worked as a Video Journalist with Southern Cross Austereo and as a News Reader with Australian Radio Network.