Erling Haaland-inspired hairstyle leads Saskatoon boy to help children with cancer

A Saskatchewan boy’s goal of looking like his favourite soccer player has grown into something much bigger. Laura Woodward reports.

What started as a dream to look like his favourite soccer player has turned into a mission to help children facing cancer.

Two years ago, 10-year-old Jackson Shewchuk decided he wanted the same long hairstyle as Norwegian soccer star Erling Haaland.

“He can kick a ball like crazy. I really like him. He’s always mad at a lot of the players, he’s very scary,” Shewchuk said, describing Haaland’s intensity and competitiveness on the field.

About a year into growing out his hair, two of Jackson’s relatives were diagnosed with breast cancer.

“We started talking about chemo and what’s going to happen in their lives,” said Jackson’s mother, Jessie Shewchuk.

When Jackson learned his hair could help someone who had lost theirs, he didn’t hesitate.

“I just thought it would be nice to donate it,” Shewchuk said.

Jackson is donating his hair to Wigs for Kids Canada, a charity that provides wigs to children experiencing hair loss.

“I’m so proud of him,” his mom told CTV News.

“He’s always been the nicest, coolest — he’s inclusive, and he’s been like this his whole life. It’s just on par for who he is.”

Jackson’s act of kindness has also inspired others to give back. An online fundraiser has raised more than $1,300 to help cover the cost of turning his donated hair into a wig.

Jackson has already started growing his hair again in hopes of making another donation in two years.

In the meantime, he’s mapping out his soccer career.

“I’d play for Manchester. Oh, and Canada! Yeah, Canada first,” Shewchuk said, laughing.