Scarborough resident Larry Kosowan spent the last three years growing his hair for the Canadian Cancer Society
“Almost cut my hair, it happened just the other day,” Scarborough resident Larry Kosowan sang, playing his acoustic steel-string guitar.
He performed the song “Almost Cut My Hair” by Crosby, Stills and Nash in the back of the Working Dog Saloon mid-April.
But he did cut his hair. All 12 inches of his flowing, dark brown locks.
Larry Kosowan had been growing out his hair for the past three years to have it long enough to cut and donate to the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS).
Partnered with Pantene’s Beautiful Lengths initiative, the CCS aims to make wigs for patients who have lost their hair as a result of medical treatment.
“Cancer seems to touch everybody, everywhere,” Larry Kosowan said. “When you think of someone going through the indignity of losing their hair for a medical treatment … it’s something I can do to make it easier for them.”
Larry Kosowan also organized a fundraiser for the Scarborough Women’s Centre, which helps women transition to become economically and emotionally independent. His sister Lynda Kosowan is the centre’s executive director.
“We’re really delighted that he’s taking this initiative and appreciate his support,” said Lynda Kosowan, adding she thinks “it’s lovely” that her brother brought together the CCS and the Women’s Centre.
Larry Kosowan had his hair cut by Gordana Andonov, who has been his hair stylist for about 10 years.
Andonov said it isn’t the first time she cut someone’s hair to be donated to help cancer patients, but it was the first time she was a part of a donation that also involved a fundraiser.
Andonov brushed, ponytailed, then cut Larry Kosowan’s hair with a crowd of about 50 cheering people in the salon.
With half of his hair cut and the other half in small pony tails, Larry Kosowan stood up and continued to play Crosby, Stills and Nash.
After the song, Andonov cut the rest of Larry Kosowan’s hair. His flowing brown locks were then placed in an envelope, ready to be sent off to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Larry Kosowan raised a total of about $4,000 for the Scarborough Women’s Centre with the help of supporters close to home and across Canada, from Nova Scotia to British Columbia.
Some donated in person while others donated online through CanadaHelps.org.
“He set up a giving page where you can directly make a donation to the Women’s Centre just by clicking on the link,” Lynda Kosowan said. “I’m really impressed with what he’s been able to do.”
The donations will go toward helping women at the centre.
“[They are] often dealing with issues around emotional health, newcomer integration, abuse, and poverty, and are not sure what they want to do with their life,” Lynda Kosowan said.
“[They] are looking to get more direction, more skills, and to feel connected with others so that they have the motivation to move forward.”
At the salon, Larry Kosowan also organized a 50/50 draw for the prize money, as well as a raffle in which ticket holders won such prizes as a palm-reading gift certificate, pens, and various hair care products.