Northwestel and its employees have together raised $7000.00 for the Canadian Cancer Society. In the annual Northwestel Head Shave held on Thursday, April 8^th, four Whitehorse employees volunteered to have their heads shaved to support the Canadian Cancer Society and those who are living with cancer.

The head shave event was organized by a group of Northwestel employees. The four volunteers were Andrew Lindsay, Angela Anderson, Greg Dawson and Heather Steinmann. They had their heads shaved in the atrium of the Elijah Smith Building in Whitehorse, with supporters looking on.

The four volunteers gathered pledges of support to raise money and Northwestel matched the funds they raised, to a maximum of $2500.00. In addition, another employee, Karen McMillan, organized a bake sale earlier this month, also in support of the Canadian Cancer Society.

“It was a wonderful effort again this year,” said Sabino Heredia, the coordinator of the head shave. “Everyone had fun and we all feel it’s important to contribute to such an important cause that touches so many people. This year, the meaning of the event hit us very close to home, because one of our co-workers is being treated for cancer right now. She attended the head shave event and personally thanked the four volunteers. It was a very touching moment and made us want even more to continue working to stop cancer.”

The four volunteers had their heads shaved by volunteer hairdressers from Fahrenheit Hair Studio and Creative Hair Design.

“We are grateful to the hairdressers and the employees who volunteer for our event,” added Heredia. “They really went the extra mile to make it more fun. For example, this year, Greg Dawson had his hair dyed pink before the head shave, in order to earn more pledges of support. For Andrew Lindsay, it was his second year taking part. Last year, he had his beard shaved, as well as his hair, to learn extra funds. This year, he was promised more support if he sacrificed his hair, beard and eyebrows, and so that’s what he did.”

“We are very proud of our employees for their commitment to this event,” said Paul Flaherty, Northwestel President and Chief Executive Officer. “They are giving their time and energy to help find a cure for cancer and the company is very pleased to support them by providing matching funds for their efforts.”

April is Cancer Awareness Month across Canada.

In 2009, Northwestel contributed more than $550,000 in cash and in-kind donations to many northern community groups. Throughout its history, Northwestel has played a key role in the economic, social and cultural development of the North. Northwestel is recognized as a key contributor to the well-being of northern communities through its community investment program and the volunteer contributions of its employees.

Northwestel provides complete telecommunications solutions and entertainment services in the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon, northern British Columbia and High Level, Alberta. The company’s operations span nearly 4 million square kilometres of the most remote and rugged areas of Canada.