Giving what he can

Times Reporter

 

Kris Owen, 20, began growing his hair out when he was 12-years-old, and hasn’t had more than a trim since then. On June 24, that’s going to change.  Owen will be participating in the head shave taking place at Cooters, in conjunction with the 12th Annual Strathmore Poker Run. 

“A couple of reasons, it’s just kind of a pain…these days and it gets in the way, and…it’s due time. I’m grown up now, and working and whatnot,” said Owen about his decision to lose his locks. 

From the pony tail elastic to the ends of his hair is 20 inches. Owen’s mother Rene said she will be the one cutting off the ponytail, and she won’t be letting anyone touch it after that. Owen plans to donate his hair, but hasn’t finalized where it will be going. 

The plan is to buzz it all off, something that Owen is kind of nervous about.

“I haven’t looked any different for a long time, it will definitely be weird. Right now it’s not too bad but I’m sure the day of I’ll be pretty nerve wracked.”

Owen has been involved with the Poker run for years, volunteering his time, but this is the first time he’s decided to raise money. 

“I’ve always kind of been involved with the poker run since it started. The guys have bugged me in the past couple of years to do it,” said Owen.

“I always said if I were to cut my hair it would go to something like this, some sort of organization. Just something I can do to give back a bit, anybody could use some good karma.”

The money raised will be going to the Kids Cancer Care of Alberta. Currently over $1,000 has been raised just for Owen’s head alone. To date the Strathmore Poker Run has raised over $96,000 for kid’s cancer and hope to break the $100,000 mark this year. 

Anyone wishing to donate to Owen and the Kids Cancer Care can go to Cooters on June 24 at approximately 6 p.m.