As 16 brave Good Shepherd students committed to cutting their hair, this small sacrifice will not only assist those fighting blood cancer right now, it will also contribute much needed funds to help research scientists continue their search for better ways to diagnose and treat blood cancer more effectively.
Good Shepherd pastoral care coordinator Damien Johns said, “The students did an unbelievable job fundraising and spreading awareness.“
“Not even the added challenge of exam week stopped them from organising various fundraising activities and tapping into ways to raise extra funds for this vital cause.
“They understand that the donations further the work of brilliant research scientists who are uncovering ground- breaking advancements in blood cancer treatment. We at Good Shepherd are very proud to be part of that journey.”
When someone signs up to shave or cut their hair for World’s Greatest Shave, they send a powerful message of hope to the 110,000 Australians and their families facing blood cancer right now. Many people facing blood cancer lose their hair during treatment.
Mr Johns said, “Even with two less weeks of fundraising this year due to the delayed start to the school year, the target of $20,000 was quickly surpassed.“
“While the entire College stepped up to support the campaign, it was due to the tremendous fundraising efforts of 16 students who mustered up their courage to get up on stage in front of their peers, to put their support into action.
“A couple smiled through tears as they heard the first snips of scissors while others gasped as they were handed handfuls of their own hair.”
All showed great courage and conviction when asked how much they had raised and why they had chosen to participate.
Year 9 students Isobel Nettleton-Hart and Anna Petrides raised close to $6000 together before donating their hair to Sustainable Salons, to be made into wigs for Aussies suffering from medically-induced hair loss. Year 12 student Alana Valotta decided just two weeks ago to pledge to shave her head and managed to raise over $2000.
The entire College supported the campaign through a variety of fundraising activities including delicious bake sales, sausage sizzles, even the classic favourite spider drink assured the tally kept rolling over.
Musicians joined in with busking stations collecting donations throughout the campus while the ever-popular Crazy Hair Day, showcased amazing creative designs.
Good Shepherd Lutheran College principal Anthony Dyer said, “At Good Shepherd we place great emphasis on service for others and have noticed that students participating in World’s Greatest Shave learn important values and lessons through the shared experience of shaving and fundraising, including empathy, empowerment, philanthropy, community values and social conscience.“
“As a College we are passionate about this campaign and will continue to support the vital work it undertakes.
“Good Shepherd has raised well over $120,000 in its 11-year history of raising money for blood cancer research.
“We thank every person who participated, encouraged, donated, supported, and rallied to achieve such a phenomenal result for the Leukaemia Foundation.”
By the end of today, another 50 Australians will need to tell their families that they are now facing blood cancer. It can happen to anyone, of any age – at any time. Donations provide families facing blood cancer with the special care they need to make it through every scary, uncertain moment that follows a diagnosis. So while the fundraising was entertaining for all involved, the main purpose remains very much in the spotlight for the students at Good Shepherd.
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