General News
30 June, 2022
School raises $7k for World’s Greatest Shave
A GOAL to raise $5000 for World’s Greatest Shave was smashed last week, leading to more than one cold head.
A GOAL to raise $5000 for World’s Greatest Shave was smashed last week, leading to more than one cold head.
The wider Derrinallum P-12 College community banded together to raise more than $7000 for the cause.
School principal Caitlyn Fitzgerald said the Student Representative Council (SRC) organised the fundraiser for the last day of term and she had committed to shave her hair if the $5000 goal was reached.
“We have raised just over $7000 between our online donations and cash donations. Which is very impressive given we only have 81 students,” she said.
“Students came in casual dress and had their hair sprayed with colour to raise funds onthe day.”
Three staff members also had their hair coloured on the day including Abby Callaghan, Sally Mahony and Karen Saunders.
“The latter two stepped in to participate when the original staff who had agreed to colour their hair became unavailable,” Ms Fitzgerald said.
“Audrey, our senior school captain, cut about 30cms of hair off and donated it to make wigs.
“And then Riley, year 9, and I shavedour hair.
“Former student, Faith Gordon, was our official hairdresser, however a few staff were very eager to jump in and help withthe cutting.”
Ms Fitzgerald said she had “never been more appreciative” of wearing a beanie.
“I’ve got hugs and pats on the back, and plenty are taking the opportunity to feel the stubble when I’m not wearing a beanie,”she said.
“Most people do a double take when I say hello or walk into a room.
“I have received lots of praise for the shave but really the praise should be for our community who did such a fantastic effort to raise a rather large amount of money.
“We had former students and staff, local principals, businesses, families from the school, relatives of students and staff, and three local football netball clubs all donate.”
Ms Fitzgerald said while she was incredibly nervous and fighting nausea for most of the day in the lead up to the shave, she said her actions were not brave.
“It was just something I did for the kids,”she said.
“Some were very excited to see it happen but for a few it meant more than a funny haircut and I knew I couldn’t let them down.
“I wouldn’t have thought that me going bald would be such a huge incentive for so many to donate but hopefully we can make a difference for those who are really brave, the ones battling blood cancer.”