Clippers were buzzing, ponytails met scissors and locks of hair fell to the ground as brave individuals not afraid to get their hair cut or shaved took part in Buzzing 4 Change at Drexel University’s Korman Quad on Apr. 14.

The reasons for donating varied from wanting a cheap haircut to giving because an individual knew someone who lost their hair from a sickness.

“I needed a haircut and it’s for a worthy cause,” said Captain Fred Carbonara of the Philadelphia Police Department. “Until I don’t have any hair, I will donate.”

The donated hair went to Locks of Love, a nonprofit that provides hair pieces to ill, disadvantaged children who are experiencing long-term medical hair loss.

100% of the money raised at Drexel’s Buzzing 4 Change event and prior fundraising goes to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). A CHOP official said that the money raised this year will go to art and music therapy for the young patients.

Stylists from local Hair Cuttery salons cut and shaved all participants’ hair.

“Last year a couple came in who had lost their daughter,” said Hair Cuttery stylist Kelly Maloney. “They held each other’s hands the whole time while their hair was cut.”

Drexel’s Buzzing 4 Change event began three years ago when Drexel students Kelsey Gold and Jessica Isaacs went to the spiritual landmarks Judah and Israel. On their 15 hour plane trip back home, they decided to bring the Buzzing 4 Change event to Drexel.

The Buzzing 4 Change charity was founded at George Washington University by student Judah Ferst who lost his mother to cancer at the age 15. Buzzing 4 Change events currently take place nationally at George Washington University, Bryn Mawr College and the University of Pittsburgh in addition to Drexel.

“Any college can apply online to have this brought to their campus and more local students,” said Isaacs, now the even copordinator for the Drexel event.

If you think Buzzing 4 Change sounds like an event you’d like to start on your campus, click here to reach out to a representative.

Victoria Hudgins can be reached at communityeditor@campusphilly.org