The all-girls school in East Gosford, St Josephs Catholic College, have raised $33,000 towards the World’s Greatest Shave.
This enormous effort was achieved after seventeen brave staff and students selflessly shaved, cut, or waxed their hair on May 14.
Three generous hairdressers from the parent community donated their time and skills to help on the day.
School captain, Sophie Holliday, led the initiative and day in honour of Mrs Julia Pourbozorgi and the families in our college community dealing with the impacts of cancer.
Holliday swapped her long plaits for a close shave and a very worthy cause.
A spokesperson from the college said they are fortunate to have a courageous and capable captain who leads by example and inspires others to do the same.
“There was strong community spirit amongst our students and staff, which was empowered by the collective support of the parents and siblings of our brave shavers,” the spokesperson said.
The principal at St Joseph’s Catholic College even got involved by waxing his legs and shaving his head.
The school’s original goal was to raise $20,000, however this was exceeded early on, nearly smashing their goal by Sunday, May 9.
The money raised will go towards the families facing blood cancer the emotional and practical support they need.
It will also fund vital research to help more people survive blood cancers while improving their quality of life.
Every day, another 47 Australians are diagnosed with blood cancer – one Aussie every 31 minutes.
Although research is improving survival, sadly, an Australian loses their life to blood cancer every two hours.
Jacinta Counihan