Ty Karsten after the shave. (Supplied Image)

By Chris Brown

Shaving and giving

Badlands Harley-Davidson raises $3,400 for Alzheimer’s Society

Jun 27, 2021 | 9:59 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Just in time for summer, Ty Karsten’s head and face are a little lighter and a little cooler.

Karsten put his hair and beard on the line if Badlands Harley-Davidson could raise $2,000 for the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories.

After the final count they raised $3,400.

Karsten says he lost about six inches off the top and between 10 and 15 inches from his chin.

“The beard was the one I made them hit a higher dollar for,” he says. “I had no problem getting rid of the hair There was a goal of $500 for the hair and $2,000 total for the beard and everything to be gone.”

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Ty Karsten before the shave. (Supplied Image)

A close friend also donated some money and volunteered to be shaved as well.

The family has a close connection to Alzheimer’s. Karsten says he’s lost his grandmother, great-grandmother and grandmother’s sister to Alzheimer’s and dementia.

“We saw the struggles they went through and the awareness is something we tried to touch on and be there for people who have to go through this because we know how hard it is,” he says.

Charity and supporting the community is a big deal for Badlands Harley-Davidson, where Karsten is a sales associate. He says his father Ivan and the rest of the team there are very involved in the community, supporting HALO, the Santa Claus Fund and many other charities.

Karsten says it’s the least they can do.

“There’s not a lot of disposable income in the world right now so whatever we can do whether it’s awareness or giving back with money or fundraising for them, that touches home,” he says.

Erin Martyshuk, associate lead, philanthropy for the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories, is grateful for the support.

“The awareness and funds raised by events like these in the community enable us to continue to provide free education programs and support services to families on their journey with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.”