Melinda Norris has been growing her dread locked hair for ten years. On April 25, she shaved her head in support of Avalon Sexual Assault Centre.

“I’m really gratified that we have a place like Avalon and that we can unite as a community behind their work, because it’s not only life-changing, it’s life-saving,” said Norris.

Avalon Sexual Assault Centre is the only full-service sexual assault services centre in the Halifax Regional Municipality. Currently, the waitlist for the counselling program at Avalon is six months. Norris was able to raise $5000 to go towards reducing wait times for the counselling program at Avalon.

“It is always encouraging when people from the community step forward to support Avalon,” said Irene Smith, Executive Director. “We hope that Melinda’s action will inspire people to donate, but also to take action in their communities to help end sexualized violence.”