Colt Paul has been shaving his head for cancer for as long as he can remember. But this year, the 14-year-old Whistler local is doing more than going bald—he’s leading the charge.
Paul is taking over as organizer of Whistler Balding for Dollars, a longstanding community event that raises funds for the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. The initiative began 22 years ago under the leadership of Dave and Wendy Clark, but this spring, the Clarks passed the clippers to Colt.
“I took the offer because of my father, who passed away when I was 10 years old from brain cancer,” said Colt. “It's been a real passion of mine to make sure this doesn't happen as much to people around me.”
Colt’s father, Al Paul, was a dedicated participant in Balding for Dollars for a decade, making him, in his son’s words, “one of the most consistent balders.” Colt continued the tradition alongside his dad throughout his childhood, pausing only the year after Al died in June 2021. Eventually, he returned to the barber’s chair—this time with friends by his side.
In stepping into a leadership role, Colt has kept his father’s legacy alive while building new skills in event organizing and community outreach. He secured sponsorship from Elevation Hair Studios, who will man the clippers, and Crystal Lodge, while also recruiting local DJs Vinyl Richie and Foxy Moron to spin tunes at the event.
“I've learned a lot about teaming up with businesses, giving speeches,” he said. “I did a speech to 100 Women of Whistler—unfortunately, I didn’t get the donation, but I met a lot of great people and received donations through that event.”
Key to the fundraiser’s success has been Colt’s mother, Heather Paul, current CAO of the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District.
“She knows most of the town,” Colt said. “She’s helped me in contacting people, and she supported me and my dad the whole time.”
Colt said the Clarks made the transition smooth, helping him take over the event’s digital infrastructure and guiding him through the technical aspects.
Now, he’s gearing up for this year’s head-shaving event, which will take place at Garibaldi Lift Co. on Saturday, April 26 at 3:30 p.m. In its 22-year history, Whistler’s Balding for Dollars has raised $475,000 for kids fighting cancer—and Colt is eager to grow that number.
That includes inspiring a new generation of fundraisers like Sammy Lowry, a nine-year-old participant from Whistler who’s excited to sheer his shoulder-length hair.
“One of my sister’s friends did it about two years ago and inspired me to get involved,” said Lowry. “My poppa had pancreatic cancer … I don’t think it’s fair people have to suffer from cancer.”
Lowry set a fundraising goal of $1,000—and smashed it within a night.
“Definitely thank friends and family who contributed,” he said.
Colt has advice for anyone thinking of getting involved.
“Something I always say to decent ideas is: just send it,” he said. “It was one of my dad’s favourite phrases. It’s one of my favourite phrases. If it works, great—and if it doesn’t, it doesn’t.”
To learn more or to donate, visit whistlerbaldingfordollars.com or fundraise.bcchf.ca/fundraisers/coltpaul.
