Events: (click picture for larger view)

August 21/2003

Hats Off to Chemo Co-Founder TAMMY BURTON

…and OPP acting Staff Sgt. John Slack model a few of the hats donated to the charity 

HATS ARE HEADED FOR SUPPORT

More than 5000 hats donated to cancer charity.

Hats,  Hats, so many hats.

The Chatham Kent Ontario Provincial Police detachment turned over 5000 hats Thursday to Hats Off to Chemo, which collects hats nationally for cancer centres and hospitals. “ Hats are being provided to those undergoing radiation therapy and chemotherapy in Canada” said Hats Off to Chemo founder Tammy Burton.

Burton was in town to pick up the hats from organizer constable Patti McPhail.

The headgear was donated by local businesses and church groups during July. Burton came up with the idea with co-founder Charlie Higgins in honour of a friend who was diagnosed with cancer.

Burton said there are many support programs for young children but none for older kids and adults.

Since it’s founding in 1999 the organization has collected more than 52000 hats.

Many hats are also given to family members to provide moral support to those battling cancer.

Two years ago McPhail initiated a campaign within the OPP detachment. This summer it was expanded across Chatham Kent.

She plans on bringing Hats Off to Chemo back next year. If the need is there, we’ll do it again “ McPhail said.