Shaving the world of cancer

Yr 5 student Lexie Cook shows off her valuable gift of healthy hair.

The students and staff at Good Shepherd Lutheran College are continuing their quest to shave the world from blood cancer by raising valuable funds in this year’s World’s Greatest Shave campaign.

In its twelfth year of supporting the campaign, eight brave Good Shepherd students pledged to cut or shave their hair. Their 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 Lutheran College Principal Anthony Dyer explains, “At Good Shepherd we place great emphasis on service for others. As a College we are proud to join a community of schools determined to shape a brighter future for blood cancer patients and their

families. By participating in the World’s Greatest Shave, students 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.”

Students understand that when they sign up to shave or cut their hair for World’s Greatest Shave, they send a powerful message of hope to the 140,000 Australians and their families facing blood cancer right now. Many people facing blood cancer lose their hair during treatment, so it was really important to 10-year-old Lexie Cook that her hair was cut at an eligible length to be used for a wig. While fellow Year 5 student Benjamin Macdonald didn’t have the same length, he did manage to raise over $3,000 before watching his hair fall to the ground.

Good Shepherd’s fundraising campaign, which started weeks ago, certainly didn’t rely solely on the online fundraising efforts for the World’s Greatest Shave. The entire College supported the campaign through a variety of fundraising activities including Crazy Hair Day which showcased some amazing designs. A variety of stalls, games and activities including a free dress day, delicious bake sales, sausage sizzles, all assured the tally kept rolling over.

Mr Chris Mundey, Pastoral Care teacher at Good Shepherd says “Blood cancer strikes young. It’s the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australian children, having a big impact on students and schools across the country. Blood cancer keeps children stuck in hospital, away from their families and friends. Away from their education. Away from their future. So we at Good Shepherd, are keen to do our part in battling this terrible condition.”

Mr Dyer continues “Good Shepherd has raised well over $200,000 in its 12-year history of raising money for Blood Cancer Research. While the fundraising was entertaining for all involved, the main purpose remains very much in the spotlight for the students at Good Shepherd. We thank every person who participated, encouraged, donated, supported, and rallied and we look forward to sharing our final overall tally in the weeks to come.”