Shaved Head Challenge – 5th Provincial Edition

The little story of a big initiative

Leucan’s provincial Shaved Head Challenge is marking its fifth year. Initially held as a regional public awareness activity, the first Challenge was launched in 2001 by Serge Tremblay, a businessman from Montérégie, who was moved by the challenge that children with cancer faced in their daily battle against the disease. Mr. Tremblay wished to show solidarity with these children and to support them in a significant matter.

Since Leucan’s inaugural Shaved Head Challenge, close to 16,000 persons throughout the four corners of Quebec have had their heads shaved. Over the years, Éric Lucas, Jean-Michel Anctil, Sylvain Larocque and Antoine Bertrand have been provincial spokespersons for this noble cause. In addition, this event has mobilized numerous provincial partners from the business, political, artistic and athletic communities.

Initially held in Montérégie, the Shaved Head Challenge successfully grew in 2003, with events held in the Laurentians, and, in 2004, in four more regions of Quebec. The first provincial Challenge was met with overwhelming success, as close to 1,000 people had their heads shaved, including the event’s honorary chairman, Jean-Michel Anctil. More than half a million dollars was collected.

In 2005, Leucan’s entire regional development committees took part in the Challenge, covering almost all territories across the province: Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Beauce, Eastern Townships, Lanaudière, Laurentians, Mauricie and central Quebec, Montérégie, Outaouais and Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean. This edition collected more than $850,000 and 2,260 participants got their heads shaved.

The 2006 Shaved Head Challenge included, for the first time, the Montreal region. It was a phenomenal success, with 5,100 participants who agreed to have their heads shaved, and more than $2.5 million raised. This third provincial edition took place in 21 different locations across 10 regions of Quebec. Henri Richard, who officially put his head on the line, raised $100,000 throughout the province for Leucan and children with cancer.

In 2007, the event set a new record of 6,550 shaved heads and raised close to $3.4 million! It was held in 26 locations throughout the province including new regions such as Laval, Gaspésie and Bas St-Laurent.

A fundraising event supported by solidarity

Beyond the objective of raising funds to finance various services offered by Leucan across the province, the Shaved Head Challenge is a gesture of solidarity towards cancer-stricken children. It contributes to play down the loss of hair for children with cancer during their treatments. This extraordinary show of solidarity helps them accept their treatments and facilitates their integration back into normal life. It unites people from all backgrounds in order to support kids with cancer. It is held in public places to sensitize the population about the difficult situation lived by these children.