NEWS GENERAL/OTHER

A hair-raising act of kindness

Jacinta Guirguis from our Melbourne Fulfilment Centre was one of our lucky 2025 Live Your Dream recipients and has used this opportunity to give confidence and comfort to young people facing some of their toughest moments. As part of her dream, she donated her hair and raised funds for Variety Australia’s Hair with Heart initiative, which supports children experiencing medical hair loss and the families who care for them.

Group of workers in yellow jackets standing with a person holding a large check from Komatsu for $10,000, under a banner reading 'Live Your Dream.'

Jacinta recently cut her for it to be transformed into a wig for a child in need. In addition to her personal contribution, a $10,000 donation from Komatsu will help cover the significant cost of wig making and fitting (which can often cost up to $6,000 per wig).

Komatsu’s Live your Dream initiative gives employees the opportunity to support causes they are passionate about with a $10,000 grant to support a charity or organisation of their choice.

“I’ve always loved helping people and making a difference where I can, to remind others that no matter the state of the world, there is always light,” Jacinta says. "My parents taught me that kindness is the greatest gift you can give someone — that’s why I was drawn to Live Your Dream.”

Person in a Komatsu polo shirt holding a long cut braid of hair and smiling at the camera.

Her motivation came from a desire to challenge conventional beauty standards and empower children living with conditions like alopecia. “For a long time, I associated hair with beauty. But beauty comes in all shapes, sizes and experiences. I want kids who haven’t had the chance to grow hair to feel seen, celebrated and confident.”

Variety Australia shared with Jacinta just how impactful the donation would be. “They told us it was one of the biggest donations they’d ever received and were incredibly thankful and encouraged us to keep spreading awareness.”

Three individuals hold a large ceremonial check from Komatsu to Live Your Dream for $10,000 addressed to Hair with Heart by Variety the Children's Charity.

With around 6,000 ponytails donated each year and up to 20 needed to create a single wig, every contribution counts. Since 2007, Variety Australia has supported more than 171,000 kids and Jacinta is now part of that incredible legacy.

“I’d do it all again in a heartbeat. This experience reminded me that small acts of kindness can lead to something truly powerful. I’m proud to be part of Komatsu and proud to be part of this program.”


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