This March, SWCA employees came together for a meaningful initiative to support Hair We Share, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing wigs to individuals facing hair loss due to medical conditions such as cancer, alopecia, and other illnesses.
Employees had two ways to participate: donating funds or donating their hair.
This effort was deeply personal for some SWCA employees. The idea started locally, when an employee from SWCA’s Las Vegas office expressed an interest in donating their hair, inspired by their family member’s battle with cancer. Other Las Vegas employees signed on, and with the help of SWCA’s Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and Gives Back Program, the event expanded companywide.
Each month, SWCA celebrates an Inclusion Month backed by an Employee Resource Group. The ERGs select a charity to support, and SWCA matches employee donations dollar for dollar. In alignment with Women’s History Month, the Women’s Group ERG and Chronic and Critical Illness ERG joined forces to sponsor Hair We Share, amplifying the impact of every employee contribution.
The response from employees was inspiring. 15 employees (and the son of an employee) committed to cutting and donating their hair. Additionally, monetary donations from employees totaled $3,100 with SWCA’s match— more than enough to cover costs associated with creating the wigs for those in need.
Sarah Sappington, executive sponsor of the Women of SWCA ERG, reflected after cutting and donating her hair:
“Hair loss can be a deeply emotional and challenging experience for many individuals. It often affects their self-esteem and confidence, making an already difficult time even more challenging. By donating our hair, we can help provide wigs that offer a sense of normalcy, confidence, and comfort to those in need. These wigs are more than just hair; they are a source of hope and empowerment. I took the plunge – my hair is chopped – and I’m so happy to have the opportunity to give back alongside my coworkers!”
This initiative showcases SWCA’s Core Values, particularly the spirit of Gives Back and OneSWCA, in action. Together, our employees are making a difference through giving back—one strand of hair and one dollar at a time.