The Wig Initiative
Our Mission & Story
Our story
Yasmin Tolley has spent the last ten years in the wig industry. In that time she has helped more than 50,000 women find a wig during their hair loss journey, and she has seen up close what a difference the right wig can make to how a woman feels.
She has also seen what it costs. Over the decade she donated more than $20,000 worth of wigs to women who needed them, but she knew there was only so much one person could do alone. She believed that much more could be done for women, and she has advocated for better support in this area for over ten years.
The Wig Initiative is what she has built from that experience: something tangible, shaped by what women going through treatment actually need.
Her dream is simple. No woman should go without a beautiful wig because she cannot afford one. The Wig Initiative is that dream, put into action.
Yasmin will keep advocating for women and girls, and for better recognition and funding of support for treatment-related hair loss across Australia.
Our mission
To make a tangible difference in the lives of Australian women and girls undergoing cancer treatment by removing the financial burden of accessing a quality medical hair prosthesis (wig).
Through fully funded wigs, compassionate support and national advocacy, The Wig Initiative aims to help women maintain their confidence, dignity and sense of identity throughout treatment.
Children and families. One of our key missions is that no child diagnosed with cancer goes without a wig during treatment, if they would like one. Our goal is to relieve the financial burden felt by families during this time.
All assistance is subject to eligibility, individual assessment, approval and available funding.
Our vision
An Australia where no woman or girl undergoing cancer treatment has to go without a suitable medical hair prosthesis because she cannot afford one.
We envision a future where medical hair prostheses are recognised as an important part of supportive cancer care, with equitable access to funding and assistance across Australia.
Our promise
One approved wig. 100% of the approved cost covered, wherever funding permits.
All assistance is subject to eligibility, individual assessment, approval and available funding.
Why a wig matters
For many women, hair is closely tied to identity, dignity and emotional wellbeing. Losing it during treatment can add a layer of difficulty to an already hard time. A wig can be a source of comfort and confidence, and a way to move through everyday life on your own terms.
It is also a personal choice. Not every woman needs or wants a wig, and we respect every woman's preferred appearance, comfort and lifestyle.
Our values
| Dignity | Every woman deserves to feel comfortable, confident and like herself. |
|---|---|
| Compassion | Every applicant is treated with kindness, empathy and respect. |
| Equity | All eligible Australian women and girls may apply, with financial hardship prioritised. |
| Accessibility | We work towards removing financial barriers to appropriate medical hair prostheses. |
| Individuality | We respect every woman's preferred appearance, comfort, lifestyle and practical needs. |
| Integrity | We manage donated funds responsibly and transparently. |
| Independence | We make decisions in the charity's interests, without commercial supplier favouritism. |
| Advocacy | We promote better national funding and recognition of cancer-treatment-related hair loss support. |