Coun. Elizabeth Peloza: Wig and Turban Boutique highlights impact of volunteers and donations

As she begins to lose hair following chemotherapy, Elizabeth Peloza shares how a wig boutique helped regain her sense of self. Daryl Newcombe reports.

Since her second chemotherapy treatment, Coun. Elizabeth Peloza is facing a side effect she knew was coming.

Her hair is falling out.

“Your sink is full [of hair]. You get up and your pillow is covered,” she told CTV News while seating inside the Wig and Turban Boutique at the London Health Sciences Centre’s Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre.

“So, it was time for this. I’m really grateful today to come in for this opportunity,” Peloza explained.

The city councillor and city hall budget chair is receiving chemotherapy after undergoing breast cancer surgery in December.

She arrived admitting it had been a tough morning but was determined to shine a light on the specialized care being provided in a small corner of the region’s cancer centre, and its need for volunteers and donations of synthetic wigs, scarves, and turbans.

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“I certainly have never worn a wig before, so learning the process of putting on a cap and then the fit [along] the hairline is something that I really appreciate. Someone is walking you through it,” she explained.

“Last year, we had 1,500 wigs that were borrowed,” said Carol Wilkinson, one of the volunteers who operate the boutique.

“They can come and pick out a wig for themselves, or they can also have some turbans,” Wilkinson explained. “It’s private, in front of a mirror, and they’re often with family members, whether it’s spouses or their children, or girlfriends.”

“One of the biggest things you lose in this [chemotherapy] process is your control. There is nothing you are in charge of,” reflected Peloza. “What you’re wearing for a wig, head scarf, [or] covering and what you do with your appearance, that’s all that’s left.”

Wilkinson recalled, “I share the story of a woman who came in who barely got past the door, and she fell apart. She started to cry. And when I told her how the program worked and that everything was free of charge, she couldn’t believe it because she thought it would cost money.”

The free service relies on volunteers and people who donate scarves, turbans, and synthetic wigs.

Wilkinson lost her father to cancer and began volunteering after retirement.

“It’s a very intimate experience, so both this volunteer position and my other volunteer position, I feel are an honor for me to be able to help,” Wilkinson explained.

Peloza believes it important to highlight the impact of the boutique and its volunteers, saying, “This is our community giving back. And it’s not just to Londoners; this is a regional facility. It’s given with love and care.”

“We have a very committed group of volunteers in the Wig and Turban Boutique, and we’re very fortunate to have them come in on a regular basis,” said LHSC Manager of Volunteer Services Meaghan Innes.

“We always look for extra volunteers who can help with vacations and sick coverage. We also have other volunteer opportunities within the cancer center. We’re happy to receive people who are interested in having those conversations,” she said.

If you’re interested in donating wigs, London Health Sciences Centre recommends the following:

• We accept high quality synthetic wigs designed for everyday use, not costume wigs. Although we are fortunate to have a large selection available to distribute, to ensure we have something for everyone, there are a few specific donations we would benefit from, such as:
• While our space is limited, donations are deeply appreciated. Checking with us around our current needs before donating helps us make the most of your generosity.