It started out with a tongue-in-cheek remark to Bill Handy. His hair was on-end after getting inside on a windy day and his co-workers wanted to know how much it would cost for Handy to shave his hair off.

Although his friends were just teasing, the comment got Handy thinking. His wife, Jenelle Handy, was diagnosed with breast cancer a couple of months ago and is starting treatment this week.

"I thought maybe if I look the way she'll eventually look it will make it easier for her," said Handy.

To shave Handy's head, the price was set at $500. Jamie Chantler joined in and his hair was given the same price.

A week and a half after the challenge was put out, Handy, Chantler and seven other Ernie Dean employees shaved their locks. They raised $2,500 for the Canadian Cancer Society.

To start the headshaving afternoon off, Chantler clipped Handy's hair. After that the Hair Gallery's Chantelle Dubusq took control of the clippers to finish the cuts.  

Raising money isn't new for Handy. In March he was the top fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters South Simcoe Bowlerama, an honour he has held for several years. He has also been involved in fundraising for cystic fibrosis and was a Kinsmen club member.

"I like raising money for charity. It's something I've always like to do," said Handy.

Donating to the Canadian Cancer Society is the first time his fundraising has been personal for Handy. Aside from his wife's current battle with cancer, Handy's mom died of the disease. He has also lost other family members to cancer.

"It's something that's got to be beaten, it's a terrible disease," said Handy.

Because their impromptu fundraiser has been so successful, Ernie Dean's is also challenging other local businesses to do the same.