When the Hauraki Plains College community set out to raise life-saving funds through Shave for a Cure for kiwis who live with blood cancer, they didn’t expect to almost triple their target amount.
It all started on June 19 with a goal of $3000 and currently sits at a whopping $8094 raised so far by the Hauraki students for the cause.
“I never thought it possible to raise over $8000 with a small group of students,” Hauraki year 13 student and organiser Emily said.
“For organising it’s always better to have a good team behind you, and we did. I was so overwhelmed with the money raised and found it so cool to see so many happy faces.”
Emily, who had her ponytail chopped off, was joined by a group of students including Jack Barry, 13, who had his head shaved for the cause on August 28.
“We had 10 people shaving their hair off, four cutting their hair, but it snowballed a bit at the end and there were a few more students,” she said.
Emily’s ponytail was cut off by Rebecca Higgins, while Jack said Mrs Fitzpatrick shaved his hair.
Jack’s motivation to be part of the fundraiser and shave his head was something that hit close to home.
“I had a family friend that had breast cancer so wanted to support the Shave for a Cure,” he said. “The impact is that I am happy in myself and that I have helped some people out. I look forward to doing it again when my hair has grown back, my hair is slow growing.”
What surprised Jack the most about people’s willingness to donate was their generosity and “seeing family friends compete against each other to donate the largest amount,” he said.
His individual goal was to raise $300, but he changed it to $750 and ended up raising $1260.
Meanwhile, Emily said she just “didn’t expect the generosity”.
Her first individual goal for fundraising was $200, but was “really surprised and so grateful” to reach $1375.
It was her family who encouraged Emily to think about and help others, she said, while Jack said it was his family, friends and Mrs Fitzpatrick.
The cause was a significant one for both Emily and Jack as it was “so important” to raise awareness – and even just a small number of students could “make a huge difference”, they said.
“People now ask where has my hair gone and it starts the conversation on Shave for a Cure.”
The impact it had on her was a positive one that made her “feel like I am more confident in myself”.
“It was a big change for me, but having the cause behind me backing me up encourages me to talk about it and spread the word.
“I am hoping as a council prefect that the Shave for a Cure happens annually and we pass the baton for next year.”
DETAILS: To donate to the cause, visit shaveforacure.co.nz/fundraisers/haurakiplainscollege.
By DAVIDDA HIKATANGATA
