On Monday night, Coun. Ken Fowler was prepared to lose his hair at the hands of his nine-year old son Gabe.
He had challenged the community to help him raise funds for Chai Lifeline Canada, a charity that provides support to the families of those battling serious illness – support that ranges from financial assistance, to programs and services.
If he raised $250 by the end of the month, Fowler promised to shave his head.
If he raised $500, he'd hand the clippers to his nine-year-old son Gabe, and live-stream the event on Facebook.
And if he raised $1,000, he promised that even the moustache and beard that he had "nurtured" for the past decade would go.
On Monday morning, it looked like Fowler would get to keep the beard. With only hours left in the month of November, the fundraising total stood at $795 – an amazing outpouring of support and generosity from the community, with donors that included fellow councillors, residents and local business owners.
The Ward 5 Councillor may have even breathed a sigh of relief.
But before the fundraiser wrapped up, donations had totalled $1,205 – and as promised, Fowler handed the clippers to his son on Tuesday evening, to not only shave off his hair, but his beard and moustache as well.
Father and son kept up a constant banter, as the event was live-streamed on Fowler’s Facebook page.
“You have a lot of hair, mister,” said Gabe, as he wielded the clippers, first shaving his dad’s head. “Just remember this is for a good cause.”
As the hair came off, Gabe noted, “You look like a bald gangster!”
“Take it all off,” said his Dad. “All I see is grey falling. I should be grateful.”
“Can’t wait to get to the moustache and beard,” responded Gabe.
There were jokes, a few songs, laughter, and even a few apologies as the shave got a little close at times. Then, after 20 or so minutes, it was done.
“How does it feel?” asked Gabe.
“I feel better because we’re doing something for people who need help,” said his dad. As Fowler had noted on his Facebook page, “The people in this town are some of the most incredible and generous souls I have ever met.... Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
And, he said, “Bald is beautiful."
On him, it was a good look.
To watch the whole video, click here.
