By Sheree Hoddinett
Photos - Credit to Grace Lutheran College Student Film Crew
Lopping their luscious locks in support of the World’s Greatest Shave was an easy decision to make for participating staff and students at Grace Lutheran College in Caboolture. The event on Friday March 17 involved the whole school and a multitude of activities from the all-important hair shaving/cutting through to music performances, stalls and a sausage sizzle.
Campus Chaplain Lachlan McLean not only shaved his head for the cause but also removed his trademark beard. This is not the first time for Lachie, who also took part five years ago on his 20th birthday.
“One of the young girls at the primary school I was working at was suffering from leukemia,” he said. “It is an honour to participate again this year alongside 20 others.”
Knowing that losing their hair while undergoing treatment wouldn’t be an easy situation for cancer patients, Lachie highlighted the importance of recognising that it doesn’t change the person themselves.
“Participating in the World’s Greatest Shave gives me the chance to stand in solidarity with those suffering with cancer,” Lachie said. “Although those going through cancer might lose their hair, it is so important to realise that they do not lose their personality, identity or any part of who they are.
“I was excited to do this at school to show all the student’s even though I will lose a lot of hair, that my personality, identity and no other part of me will change. As hard as it might be for me and others to be vulnerable and shave our heads, it is nothing in comparison to what those who are going through cancer experience. I hope that every single student grows in empathy as a result of hosting this event.”
Students Ivy Banks (year 12), Kamaia Martin (year 12) and Ciara Lacey (year 11) also made the brave decision to shave their hair off in support of those living with blood cancer.
“The World’s Greatest Shave means a lot to me as my Nonna passed away from cancer (specifically leukaemia) four years ago,” Ivy said. “For me, the World’s Greatest Shave is a reminder of the strong determination my Nonna dedicated to ensuring cancer didn’t define who she was. That her hair falling out wasn’t a sign that she was worth any less in the eyes of her family. And this event and what it strives to achieve is not only raising money to support cancer patients, but also a symbol to show that our appearances don’t define us.”
“The WGS means that I have a huge opportunity to help people suffering from leukaemia,” Kamaia added. “I decided to participate because it is something I have always wanted to do and I know that by doing so, the donations I receive are going to people who need it the most.”
For Ciara, who had all her long hair shaved off, showing her support to those going through cancer was a bit more personal.
“Some people at my work have had cancer and it was shocking to hear their experiences with it,” she said. “I wanted to support and help raise money for such a good cause and figured that shaving my head is nothing compared to what people with cancer go through. I decided to shave rather than cut my hair because people with cancer have no choice over whether they lose their hair and I wanted to show others that someone losing their hair isn’t a horrible thing.”
The school raised more than $17,700 on the day with totals still being tallied following the event. Special mention goes to school captain Lachlan Scudamore who raised $2275 and Chaplain Lachie who raised more than $3000.
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