Miss Newfoundland and Labrador hacks off hair for cancer charity

Bridgette Abbott, Miss Newfoundland and Labrador, lopped off her long locks this weekend to raise money for Young Adult Cancer Canada. 

The Shave for the Brave event took place at the Avalon Mall in St. John's on Saturday.

Abbott had been growing her hair for the past six years, in hopes of making a sizable donation to the organization, which helps young adults through treatment and life after cancer.

She set a goal to raise more than $2,000 — that's a dollar for every day she's been growing her hair.

"My aim was $2,138. But when I left the house, I had almost $2,700, so I have surpassed my goal and I'm really proud of that — it's great," Abbott told CBC News.

While Abbott didn't shave her head, she did donate 14 inches of hair to be made into a wig for someone battling cancer. 

Abbott said the experience was especially emotional for her, because three women in her family have fought cancer, and all of them wore wigs during their treatments. 

"They mentioned on stage about my sister and my cousin and my aunt, and just to watch they've gone through ... I was just thinking, 'No Bridgette, stay positive.' This is helping someone else who is going through the same kid of experience," she said.