Cutting it all off for CIBC Run for the Cure

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A CIBC employee went into work with a full head of hair and left it on the bank floor before the end of the day.
Alan Borkowski raised 1,600 dollars for his branch to add to their funds raised for the CIBC Run for The Cure by shaving his head. The Durham College business student and full-time customer service representative didn’t have hair long enough to donate, but three months ago he offered to continue growing his hair and then shave it all off as a fundraiser. He wanted as much hair as possible before getting it all cut off because he thought it would “Make it more dramatic.”

“Cut it all the way to the wood!” a supporter joked during the event.
CIBC employee Sheila Alarie organized several fund raising events for the run, which raises money in support of breast cancer research. The branch sells Run for the Cure merchandise, holds a book sale and a bake sale. Clients and local merchants also donate prizes for raffles, in addition to being able to add a donation cards to a wall to show their support. To date the branch has raised $4000 and will continue raising funds up until the run on October 2.

The run is annual and has existed for two decades. Borkowski is the first CIBC Oshawa employee to shave his head as a fund raising effort.
Marg Csanadi of Marg’s Hair Design on Division Street volunteered her services for the cause. Csanadi has done business with the branch for years and was approached not only for her customer loyalty but her great personality, as described by Borkowski.
Though he felt nervous inviting friends and family to watch, Borkowski was encouraged by his co-workers, who he describes as part of his family. The friendly atmosphere was palpable with plenty of supportive comments. Branch manager Debbie Pearce has never had a male offer to shave his head.
Borkowski sporting his supportive pink shirt over his hockey player build had the ladies gushing. “For him to step up, I think is well done,” said Pearce. Though run director, Gerrie Wonnacot has witnessed others shave their head she remarked, “He’s special.”
As his long hair was shaved off, Borkowski never stopped smiling. Other staff took pictures and jokingly suggested keeping his hair a mohawk or mullet. As the last of his hair hit the floor, he was met by applause.
Though the time and date were chosen as it was expected to be a slow period, some customers stopped to watch. Awareness for the cause was already being spread and Wonnacott showed her gratitude by rewarding Borkowski with a kiss on the cheek and hug.

“It feels clean,” Borkowski said off the hairdo he didn’t expect to like.
For more information on CIBC Run for the Cure, visit their website.
Story and images by Hillary Di Menna