Royal Vale student hopes to make 'big difference' with charity donation

Oren Sendel had been proudly growing out his hair for two years before he decided to make a big change.

The 13-year-old Royal Vale student wanted to donate his hair to Angel Hair for Kids, a Canadian organization that manufactures wigs for sick children from donated materials.

"I'm short and small but I can still make a big difference," said Oren, moments before the momentous haircut was set to take place in the school auditorium, Friday.

As he set out spreading the word, Oren thought he could go a step further, raising money through pledges and online for the Montreal Neurological Hospital.

"My mother is diagnosed with Multiple sclerosis and I saw what she's been through, and I figured I could help," he said.

Oren said he hopes the hospital will be able to use the money to help patients in the Multiple Sclerosis Clinic directly.

"The money can be used to pay for a taxi on a day when a patient is exhausted, or buy a cane for someone who needs one. It can also be used to offset the cost of the medicine need as they are very expensive," he said.

"I trust that the hospital will know where the money is most needed."

On the day of the cut, a hairdresser from MTL Barber was on hand to help snip, trim and style.

Oren gave a short speech to the assembled, students, parents and school staff before taking a seat on the stage.

Some of his classmates helped out by taking the scissors in their own hands and chopping off a braid or two.

When it was all said and done, Oren was pretty pleased — not just with the new look, but with his efforts to make a difference and hopefully inspire others.