Students Unite to Raise $5,000 for Blood Cancer Support

Waitaki Girls’ High School in New Zealand recently hosted a successful fundraising event, raising approximately $5,000 for Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand (LBCNZ). The initiative, part of the annual Shave for a Cure campaign, involved 30 students who opted to shave or cut their hair to support those affected by blood cancer.

Phoebe Wang, a year 13 student, inspired her peers with a quote about the goodness in people. Speaking to a packed auditorium, she emphasized the importance of community support in fundraising efforts. The event was coordinated by Ella Fraser, the school’s deputy head girl, who expressed pride in the significant involvement of students.

Deborah Tomlin, southern regional manager for LBCNZ, expressed her gratitude for the school’s support, stating, “It’s amazing; we’re immensely grateful. I didn’t expect it to be like this — they’ve really risen to the challenge to help with patient support for the 20,000 Kiwis with blood cancer.”

Community Engagement and Contributions

Among the participants, twenty students were part of “The Ponytail Project,” with Phoebe Wang and Brooke Lindsay donating an impressive 35.5 cm of their hair for wig-making. Other participants contributed between 15 cm and 20 cm of hair. The atmosphere in the auditorium was lively, with students and staff donning orange outfits and wacky hairstyles to show their support.

The event featured enthusiastic cheers and countdowns as students had their ponytails cut and boys had their heads shaved. Fraser remarked on the month-long preparation leading up to the event, highlighting the collaborative effort among students. “We have so many girls and boys involved, and they’ve all done a really, really good job,” she said.

Phoebe shared her feelings about participating, stating they received “incredible support” from the school community. She expressed happiness in contributing to the cause.

Impact of Fundraising Efforts

The funds raised will support patients facing significant challenges, including treatment and accommodation expenses. Tomlin emphasized that “every bit of the money” collected would make a substantial difference for those undergoing treatment.

Local hairdressers from Tickled Pink Hair Studio, Vivo Hair Salon, and The Don Barbers generously donated their time to assist with the haircuts, further showcasing community spirit. Deputy principal Charmaine Nelson praised the collaboration and effort put forth by both students and staff during the event.

As donations continue to flow in, the Waitaki Girls’ High School community stands as a testament to the power of collective action in supporting those in need.