Posted by Sudbury Northern Life Reporter Bill Bradley 

There were a lot of shining scalps at the New Sudbury Shopping Centre Saturday, as Vale Inco employees shaved their heads to benefit the local branch of the Canadian Cancer Society.

The event raised more than $40,000.

"Vale Inco employees are well known for their generosity in offering a helping hand to those in need," said Fred Stanford, Vale Inco Ontario Operations president, in a release.

"The success of this year's Vale Inco Shines event is no exception, as 70 employees and members of the community came forward to shave their heads and donate their time, money and hair in support of prostate cancer research," he noted.

Vale Inco Shines is an employee-led initiative that began in 2005 to fight prostrate cancer, the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Canadian men. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, this form of cancer grows slowly and can often be cured or managed successfully if detected and treated early.

"Vale Inco's employees have always been supporters of the Canadian Cancer Society, and their partnership with our community to help raise funds for prostrate cancer research is very much appreciated again this year," said Cathy Burns, Sudbury and District manager, Canadian Cancer Society.

"Vale Inco's contribution will provide much needed research dollars for a number of research programs and we thank them for their continued generosity," she said.

Ward 2 Coun. Jacques Barbeau participated, along with his two sons and brother.

"Team Barbeau raised $2,090 for cancer," said Barbeau.

Eleven-year-old Parker Camirand raised $3,182.42 prior to the event over four months.

He lost his father, Sean, four years ago from stomach and colon cancer. His father was only 39 years old.

His mother Patti was impressed by her son's effort.

"How can you not be impressed with someone who stands up for cancer research?"