The box formed part of fundraising efforts for Taree taxi driver Geoff Ross, who took part in the Leukemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave.  

In just a five week period, $1000.30 was collected in the box (known as ‘Boxer’) from customer donations. 

“I feel really privileged that the people of Taree trusted me to do it,” Mr Ross said. 

Mr Ross had his head and beard shaved at Club West earlier this month, with $509.10 raised on the night.

Through the taxi efforts, sponsors and money collected on the night of his shave, Geoff raised $1832.40 

"I thought I might be able to makes some money out of getting my hair cut.

"I feel really proud of that, I feel like part of the community.

"What I got out of it was a 60-year-old cab driver gets a hair cut and a shave,” he smiled.

Mr Ross knows all too well the effects of cancer.

He lost his sister Lorena to ovarian cancer seven years ago and his brother-in-law Robert to mesothelioma (cancer caused by asbestos exposure). 

Conversations with customers showed he wasn’t alone.

"Some of the stories people told me while I was doing the fundraising, it just horrified me as to what their families were going through and been through and maybe my little bit of fundraising might help somebody,” Mr Ross said. 

He encouraged some of his friends to participate next year. 

"It's worth it, it's a lot of fun, people support you and we're doing good,” he said. 

"Maybe that one dollar we raise might be the dollar that finds the key to the cure for cancer.”

Mr Ross added that ‘Boxer’ has since been retired.

"It now has pride of place on top of my bookcase,” he smiled.

Mr Ross was proud to show off the badge he received from the Leukemia Foundation after his shave was complete. 

“It says ‘I did it’.

"I'm proud of that and I'm proud of the people of Taree,” he said. 

He also thanked Taree Taxis’ Cheryl Williamson for her support of his fundraiser.