Wigs for a smile

Dear friends and supporters,

Although in 2020 we did not have our traditional hair donation campaign in Sarajevo, the project was not put-on hold. On the contrary, the project continued in spite of COVID-19, in spite of all the lockdowns and closures, and the problems faced by the NGO sector.

To better respond to the needs of our donors and to comply with hygienic-epidemiological measures and standards, we have introduced a new procedure for donating and delivering hair. A standardized hair delivery form has been introduced to accompany each donation, to facilitate donor records and the issuance of hair donation certificates (popular “diplomas“). Also, due to the lack of personal contact and the inability to hand out hair certificates in person, the Association introduced e-certificates for the hair donors and showed how important each and every donor is in the process of making wigs for sick children.

Up to the end of 2020, we have collected an incredible number of 6571 donations. We have, also, launched a volunteering program in our wig-making workshop. The volunteering program, which includes cleaning, recording, and storing hair, after the initial selection and scheduling, is planned to begin in February 2021.

And most importantly, in 2020, we created many happy faces. Ten wigs were made for ten brave hearts from Sarajevo, Tuzla, Tešanj, Turbe to Mostar, Zepce and Banja Luka (and a set of hair extensions for a cancer survivor from Vitez) and they are our best incentive to lend a hand of support, understanding, and hope in 2021 as well.

2021. has started with 2 new wig orders, and our super-wig-maker Fuad is already busy preparing them.

There are thousands of inspiring projects here on GlobalGiving, so we’re grateful you chose to support our work. Thank you for being a part of our team of supporters that are making our project a reality.

The Covid-19 virus pandemic has brought new challenges for the entire country and people of Bosnia and Herzegovina, but especially for children and families affected by childhood cancer. Pediatric cancer patients are one the most vulnerable groups in our society due to already immunocompromised health status, and very difficult and very demanding medical treatments.

Our organization has adapted its activities to the new epidemiological situation in order to provide the most efficient and comprehensive support to our members in these difficult times. This also extends to the wig-making and hair donation process.

Our traditional hair-donating campaign will unfortunately not be held this year; however we have adapted our in-person and mail-donation policies to reflect the current epidemiological guidelines. The public has responded well to these new policies and we have a steady inflow of donated hair.

Our head wig-maker Fuad, which I introduced in one of the previous reports, has worked diligently on four (4) wigs and they were delivered in Banja Luka, Zepce, Tešanj and Sarajevo, and he is currently working on the fifth wig that will be, also, delivered in Sarajevo. 

These wigs have brought tremendous joy in these tremulous times, bringing forward the most beautiful smiles.

In spite of the COVID-19 uncertainty, the wig-making will continue to bring joy, happiness, smiles, self-confidence, trust and hope to children affected by temporary or permanent loss, and their families, in Bosnia and Herzegovina. That is why your help and support is even more important in making a difference in the lives of these children. 

Please consider telling your friends and family about our project—you can share this link to our GlobalGiving project on social media, or just bring us up in conversation. Sharing with your community why you chose to support our organization will help us increase the support to our little heroes!

Please stay safe!

Sincerely yours,

Nermina