Hair-erasing stunt drags cancer into spotlight

Aquinas College's Anton Curach had his head shaved, with nine other students, yesterday to raise money for the Cancer Society. Photo / John Borren

The clippers were buzzing at Aquinas College yesterday as 10 students got their heads shaved to raise money for the Cancer Society.

The school's health committee decided to spend a week raising awareness about cancer and, at the same time, raise money for the Cancer Society.

As well as a bake sale, a teacher and staff breakfast and an inter-class competition, the committee asked students to volunteer to shave their heads.

Ten students stepped forward and had their heads shaved in the gym yesterday at lunchtime while others donated money to watch.

Health committee leader Tia Robinson, 17, said this week had been about raising as much awareness among students as possible.

Committee co-leader Anton Curach, 17, said a head shave had been held last year and the committee had decided to turn it into an annual event.

Last year's events had raised $3000 and, so far this week, the committee had reached $1700.

"The events work pretty well considering how much we raised last year and how much we want to raise this year," he said. "Everyone I know has someone in their family or a friend affected by cancer."

Tia said cancer was something which affected everyone in some way, even if it was just second-hand.

Gavin Powell, 17, was one of the students who volunteered to have his locks lopped.

"The committee asked me and I thought it was a good cause," Gavin said.

"I shaved my head for cancer about this time last year.

"I've had family friends who have had cancer and the Cancer Society does an amazing job for people who are going through it, so it's a real worthwhile cause."

Gavin has been raising money by asking friends and family to donate.

He had managed to raise about $30 so far and was hoping to get more.

He said he was not worried about losing his hair, but he would need to wear a beanie in coming weeks to keep his head warm.