CALGARY – Five delegates to the Alberta Federation of Labour convention in Calgary – including AFL president Les Steel himself – will shave their heads in front of a crowd of 400 later today in an effort to raise money for children battling cancer.

The head shaving ceremony will take place on convention’s main stage at 11:45 a.m. today (Saturday, May 3). The AFL convention is being held in the Westin Hotel, located at 320 – 4th Ave S.W.

Delegates have already pledged at least $10,000 for the privilege of watching their president and other activists “take it all off.” Money collected as a result of the fund-raiser will be donated to Kids with Cancer, an Edmonton-based group helping children cope with the disease.

In addition to Steel, the following convention delegates have agreed to “lose their locks” for a good cause: Jane Sustrik, United Nurses of Alberta (UNA); Jim Connelly, Canadian Auto Workers (CAW); and Sam Grexton and Arlene Crozier from the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW).

Steel says that making a public gesture of support for sick kids is a natural thing for union members to do.

“As union activists we know how important it is to show support for those in need. Solidarity is what the union movement is all about. And with this fund-raiser, what we’re attempting to do is show our solidarity with kids fighting cancer.”

Reporters interested in attending the head shaving ceremony are asked to first report to the Lake Louise Room (Conference Level) for media credentials and press kits. The ceremony itself will be held in the Westin’s main ballroom.

The AFL is Alberta’s largest labour organization with more than 105,000 members. AFL conventions are held every second year.

For more information call:

Gil McGowan, AFL Communications @ (780) 910-1137