Wigging out thanks to Convoy

15 February, 2023

The Wig Library was started in July 1986 originally at Bulli Hospital. Prior to this people from this area had to travel to the Prince of Wales Hospital at Randwick to be able to obtain the loan of a Wig due to loss of their hair, as in most cases having had Chemotherapy, then moved to Port Kembla Hospital attached to the
Palliative Care department.

However, at the beginning of 2020 The Wollongong Hospital made an Office available on the ground floor next to the Chapel. At that time i98fm Illawarra Convoy assisted with the cost to purchase and fit fixtures and fittings to display and store our many wigs.

Within only a couple of months the arrival of COVID 19 changed everything and we were forced to close the Office and to continue the service, volunteers travelled to clients homes to provide them with a suitable wig.

COVID 19 caused other changes too, although known as “The Illawarra Wig Library” we are no longer able to loan sanitised and cleaned used Wigs.

All Wigs are now brand new, this has added considerable expense to our service, however we do provide all products at cost.

It is a not-for-profit charity with no paid staff, entirely run by a team of very dedicated and experienced volunteers providing a Service within the Illawarra area. Funding is reliant on donations, fundraising and grants from generous organisations.

The volunteer service supports patients receiving chemotherapy treatment, which often results in hair loss and ladies also suffering from Alopecia. For patients undergoing treatment, and particularly women, losing their hair can be devastating and impact on their self-esteem.

The Illawarra Wig Library is considered one of the most comprehensive, low-cost wig and turban libraries in NSW. Patients, who may not be able to afford to purchase wigs or headwear, are able to solve their hair loss and subsequent loss of self-esteem for the price of a small donation.

“It’s terrific to see the change in patients when they have been fitted with a wig. Patients come in at their most vulnerable and go out feeling like a million dollars! Thanks to the Illawarra Community Foundation patients will have even better choices of head pieces.” said Petrina Chalker, President.

In addition to wigs, the service also provides turbans and headscarves to those not comfortable with wearing a wig. With volunteers relying on donations to restock the library, it was becoming quite a slow process.

And that’s where the Illawarra Community Foundation stepped in, thanks to funds raised by the Illawarra community during the i98FM Illawarra Convoy. An application was made to support the program, and the Illawarra Community Foundation is now restocking the service with 135 new headpieces, compact mirrors and folding wig brushes valued at just under $17,065.

“This is a very important service for patients encountering hair loss during treatment, which can be often overlooked for funding,” says Convoy and Illawarra Community Foundation manager; Mark Rigby. “We are proud to support this service and understand the importance of self-esteem during what is an extremely difficult time for patients and their families. We commend the Illawarra Wig Library for operating this service for patients for over 30 years, and hope it continues for many more years to come.”

The Illawarra Wig Library re opened on 1^st November 2022 in their ground floor location at The Wollongong Hospital and are opened Tuesday and Wednesday 10am – 1pm and hope to open Thursday in the very near future.

People can also phone for an appointment on 0459 174 578 and speaking to President Petrina

“The Illawarra Community Foundation is proud to present these items of medical equipment to the the Wig Library today,” Says i98FM Breakfast host and Convoy founder Marty Haynes. “These items will assist in providing comfort to patients and loved ones in very difficult times.”

Funding information for charities and groups working with people affected by potentially life threatening medical conditions is available on the www.illawarraconvoy.com.au website.