Joe Lofaro, Metro News: At age 12, Paige Thurlbeck is the youngest person to receive the United Way’s Community Builder Award after she and her classmates chopped off their hair and helped raise $25,000 for the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation.
Towering over her at City HallTuesday were 33 other award recipients who were recognized for their contributions to the community and had their names unveiled on the Wall of Inspiration in Jean Pigott Hall.
The Grade 7 student started donating her hair in 2010 after following in the footsteps of another classmate. Every two years, she chops her locks once they reach a certain length.
“It feels great knowing that your support has been recognized. And it feels great to have your name on the wall,” she said Tuesday after receiving the United Way award.
Thurlbeck was behind the successful campaigns Paige’s Ponytails and Buzz for Bucks and bike-a-thons at Terry Fox Elementary School. But she isn’t going to let the charity work end now that she’s being recognized.
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