Milestone 1000th person shaves head to support cancer care at 26th Bluey Day fundraiser

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The 26th annual Bluey Day in Fort St. John saw the 1000th person shave their hair off since the event’s inception. 

The Fort St. John Hospital Foundation’s event – which took place in 2025 on May 24th at Centennial Park – saw participants fundraise to support the Community Cancer Centre.

More than $124,600 was raised, which the centre will use to buy patient-comfort chairs with features such as heating and massage, USB ports, and manual and electric reclining.

Representatives from the Fort St. John RCMP, BC Ambulance Service and Fort St. John Fire Department all attended, and there was free face painting, carnival games and a barbecue hosted by Mr Mikes.

Peace River North MLA Jordan Kealy shaved his head at the event as well. 

Kelly Fell, who has lost family members to cancer, raised more than $26,000.

“I’m not brave, they are,” said Fell, who has been involved in Bluey Day for more than a decade and dyed her hair blue for the occasion. “I don’t fight what they fight.” 

Ayla Malcolm, who registered for Bluey Day a couple of months ago, told Energeticcity.ca she signed up alongside a friend, Tanya Boyd, both supporting another friend battling cancer.

It is one of the greatest ways to give back to the community, according to Kelly Amboe, executive director of the Fort St. John Hospital Foundation.

“These [chair] upgrades will make a real difference in the lives of our patients,” said  Amboe. “Every dollar raised, every head shaved and every person who showed up today is helping us bring further comfort to those facing cancer.

“We are so proud of our community.”

Rose Christian has participated in Bluey Day before, 21 years ago – but this time, she is battling cancer herself after being diagnosed in April.

She donated her hair and raised over $8,000.

Emily Olson, community giving and event coordinator for the Fort St. John Hospital Foundation, said she is passionate about what the community is doing together and about the stories of every participant and person fighting cancer.

She said she is focused on spreading the word to invite more members of the community to participate in this cause.

The Community Cancer Centre serves over 120 cancer patients from across the north at any given time.

Bluey Day began in Australia before it came to the Energetic City in 1999.

Donate here.