The ongoing coronavirus crisis wasn't going to stop Chatham High School's World's Greatest Shave event for 2020.
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Students, staff and a parent underwent the big shave while two senior boys had their legs waxed at the school on Tuesday, August 11. It was originally set down for April.
Whether directly or indirectly, everyone knows someone affected by cancer.
Student Ella Rowe thought about her nan, who battled terminal cancer, while having her head shaved.
"I wanted to do something for her," Ella said.
She raised $1123, the most of anyone in the group. Ella promoted the cause on Facebook and through work at IGA.
She hopes to take part in the shave in future.
The cause is close to the heart of Wyatt Goodwin. His dad was diagnosed with cancer in 2012 and has since recovered.
"Cancer has certainly been a big thing in my life so it's good to do something to support others who need help," Wyatt said.
He raised $250 for the cause.
Lachlan Gray's grandad battled leukemia so he didn't need much encouragement to sign up for the shave.
"I want to help others in the same situation," Lachlan said.
The school's canteen manager Sandra Cane was shaved before the pandemic but was present on Tuesday to support the group.
"My brother died of cancer four years ago, he was only 41," Sandra said.
"It was only nine months between his diagnosis and losing his battle. That's my reason for doing this."
She raised $718. Sandra hasn't given thought to a shave in the future but is determined to still raise funds.
Cancer has certainly been a big thing in my life so it's good to do something to support others who need help.
- Wyatt Goodwin, Chatham High School student
"It's all about raising money for a good cause," she said.
Zach Wells was strangely disappointed the leg wax experience was underwhelming.
"It's not as bad as people think it is, I thought it was going to be horrible," he said.
Combined fundraising efforts so far are just shy of $3000.
Former student Jake Putan was the volunteer barber for the shave while Ambiance Day Spa beauticians volunteered for the leg waxing.
The athletics carnival was supposed to be held that afternoon but wet weather earlier this week postponed those plans.
With the afternoon free, the SRC ran the 'Wacky Wild Weird Hair Day' where students had their heads coloured for a donation.
The World's Greatest Shave raises funds every year for blood cancer research. It also funds accommodation for families during treatment and emotional/practical support.
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