The Martlet

They’re shaving it anyway.

Despite not reaching their goal of raising $25,000, the women of Babes Go Bare for Cancer will still cut off their curls to demonstrate their commitment to the cause.

Babes Go Bare for Cancer is a group of 12 women who came together, through the organizing power of Babe Trish Caddy, to create a nude calendar with the intention of raising money for cancer research.

“I wanted to create a project that honoured people who honoured themselves,” said Caddy. “We allow society to give our bodies one of two labels: sex object or shameful taboo. But there are many more facets than that.”

Released in late 2009, the 2010 calendars showcase “beauty in the form of diversity, strength, and self-confidence,” says a statement on the project’s website, babesgobareforcancer.ca.

Proceeds from calendar sales and donations go to the B.C. Cancer Foundation.

The Babes promised to shave their heads and donate their hair to Locks of Love if they raised $25,000.

“If we all just posed in a calendar and stopped there, we’d be undermining our mission,” says a statement on the website. “By shaving our heads when the goal is reached, we are sending the message that we really do believe that our actions speak louder than our looks ever could.”

Currently, the campaign has garnered over $12,000 from donations and calendar sales.

Although they are just over halfway to their mark, the Babes will publicly lop off their locks on March 7 at 12:30 p.m. in Mayfair Mall.

Caddy said it was the Babes who expressed interest in shaving their heads anyway.

“They went into this prepared to lose their hair for a cause and to make a statement, and I don’t think any of us want to back out on that,” she said. “Besides, raising upwards of $13,000 for charity with an idea many people thought was too risqué to even get off the ground is nothing to scoff at.”

The event will include a raffle and prizes, and the group encourages anyone interested in clipping their coiffures along with the Babes to come down and make a donation.