Eleven Portage la Prairie residents are cutting it short, in support of Central Plains Cancer Care. The Portage Friendship Centre has teamed up with Central Plains Cancer Care and Portage Collegiate's cosmetology class to shave the heads of 11 residents, who are collecting donations to support those living with cancer. The initiative stemmed from a conversation between friendship centre Executive Director Shirley Bernard, her sister, and a friend, as they discussed just how many people they knew whose live's have been touched by cancer.

"We were talking about how many family members we had lost from cancer, how many friends we've lost, how many we still have that are struggling, who've fought and won, and some who've fought and lost. The my sister had said 'Shirley, I'm shaving my head in support of my friends and family, and dad', I said if she's doing it I'll do it too, and it escalated from there."

Bernard says she's heard from the two friends, Judy Smith and Debra Sproat-Gibson she's shaving her head in support of, and they're thrilled to hear she's taking this on.

"(Smith) sent me a Facebook message and said I had her in tears. Then, Debbie even sent me a message again last night thanking me. They're so overwhelmed, they've been struggling so long. They know they have supports in place, and that we love them and support them in every way, but we're bringing it fresh again and making people aware there's still a struggle."

Central Plains Cancer Care Services Executive Director Judy Sauder's excited about the initiative, noting she's also donated her hair to make wigs in the past. She says while it's great to have a fundraiser taking place in support of their work, it's even more exciting to see the community members willing to shave their heads to show their support to those living with cancer.

"I think it just reminds them that everyone out there's here to support them, and the community is really behind them in all of their struggles as they go through their journey."

Sauder notes all proceeds support cancer patients in the local area. Donations continue to be accepted at Central Plains Cancer Care and the Portage Friendship Centre, leading up to the head shaving. The eleven Portagers will have their heads shaved Tuesday at 1:30 at Eagles Fire Youth Centre.