The Annual Balding for Dollars Main Event
Our annual main event is a heartwarming fundraiser and fun day out for all. Held annually in May at B.C. Children’s Hospital, participants of all ages shave their heads (or cut and donate their hair) as a way of standing in solidarity with the many children battling cancer in B.C. everyday.
More importantly, a big reason for this event is to offer patients and families a break from hospital life and to give past patients and families an opportunity to reconnect with their healthcare teams and one another.
All monies raised at the event, and throughout the year, fund the diverse program offering of Balding for Dollars.
Fun for the whole family.
Everyone is welcome! Whether you’re a participant, volunteer, or supporter, Balding for Dollars invites individuals, families, businesses, and organizations alike to join in the fun and help make a difference. Don’t miss this opportunity to support a great cause, partake in fun family-friendly crafts and activities, enjoy some tasty treats, jive to beats of some local talent, catch a magic show and mingle with the likes of some famed princesses and troopers.
Join us on Saturday, May 3rd, 2025
You can’t miss us! Meet us outside the BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, rain or shine! And don’t worry if the Vancouver weather leaves you over- or under-dressed. You can always pick up a new hat or sweatshirt at our merchandise table.
Free entry. Donations welcome.
No tickets required. Just bring your smiles and spread the word. Apart from our raffle and merchandise tables, all entertainment, snacks and activities are offered by donation. Don’t have cash, don’t worry! Online donations can be easily made.
Get involved for a good cause.
Register as a participant – You can sign up to have your head shaved at our event and fundraise for support.
Volunteer at our event – We always need help in the months, weeks and days leading up to our event. Volunteer to help with event preparation, setup, operations or to cheer on our brave participants.
Donate or Sponsor – Our annual event would not be possible without the support of countless businesses, families and individuals. From food and drink, to entertainment, to raffle prizes, we rely on community support to keep this event free for all of our patient families.
Spread the Word – Promote the event through social media and invite friends to get involved.

Upcoming Community Events
- APRIL 6 - WHISTLER BALDING FOR DOLLARS (Hosted by Whistler Friends @ Garibaldi Lift Co in Whistler)
- APRIL 12 - BANDS, BBQ, BEERS & BALDING (Hosted by Bernie Ryan @ The Laurel Packing House in Kelowna)

Whistler Balding for Dollars (Hosted by Whistler Friends)
April 6, 2025
Since 2002, the community of Whistler has supported Balding for Dollars through their annual fundraiser. Originally organized by Dave & Wendy Clark (Whistler Friends), the event was an instant crowd favorite and has become a mainstay among some of Whistler’s most anticipated fundraisers, raising over $475,000 over the past 22 years.
In April 2024, Dave and Wendy announced their plans to retire and leave Whistler. While we were very sad to see them go, we are eternally grateful for each year of their support and the awareness they brought to the Whistler community. We are very excited to know that Balding for Dollars Whistler will live on in the hands of its new organizers, and fellow Whistler Friends, Colt and Heather Paul.
We look forward to Whistler Balding for Dollars’ 23rd event.

Bands, BBQ, Beers & Balding (Hosted by Bernie Ryan)
April 12, 2025
Bands, BBQ, Beers and Balding (BBBB) began 22 years ago in Vancouver as Bernie’s Annual Daytona Party and has since evolved into a highly successful fundraiser in Kelowna. Inspired by the courage of a young girl battling cancer, Bernie Ryan decided to shave his head to encourage more donations – and that he did! Since it’s inception, BBBB has raise over $425,000 for Balding for Dollars and over $200,00 for the KGH Foundation.
Held annually, the event features live music, BBQ, and, of course, head-shaves and a lot of fun!
People looking to get involved can reach out through the Bands BBQ Beers and Balding Facebook page or email Bernie Ryan. Special thanks go out to long-time supporters, including James Nadolny and Mainland Hard Chrome, the Visser family, and the Cellar Tek team. Additionally, the Stolks, the Mayne brothers, and their families have played key roles in making the event a continued success. Every year, new participants and sponsors join in, making a meaningful difference in the lives of children battling cancer.