Record-setting high school goes bandannas for charity

By DITA DE BONI

One day each year a high school south of Auckland goes bandanna crazy.

And many of the teachers and students - as well as the local police, fire squad and other assorted townfolk - lose their hair.

But it is all in a good cause as Pukekohe High School goes all out to preserve its record of raising the most money of all New Zealand schools for CanTeen, the organisation that supports teenagers with cancer.

Bandanna Day, held nationwide, is celebrated by all of Pukekohe's 1470 students, who ditch their usual red and grey uniforms in favour of multiple, multicoloured bandannas.

This year, the school managed to gather $7600 in a single lunchtime's activities, beating last year's contribution of $6200.

As well as the sale of bandannas and sausages, local business were tapped for contributions and up to 30 people were sponsored to have their heads shaved.

Police and firefighters livened proceedings with a tug of war, and then dutifully lined up to be shorn, while Mr New Zealand, Daryll Tomuli, showed off his pecs for a grateful female audience.

Organiser and PE teacher Surrinder Edwards said it was great to have the support of the community.

Head girls Tracey Smith and Anita Hari said the goal of involving everyone was more important than how much money was raised.

Year 13 (Form 7) student Craig Shannon, charged with photographing the event, said it was "easy to help when you know someone who has been affected by cancer".

CanTeen national programme co-ordinator Cynthia Thomas said the organisation ran out of bandannas in many centres last week and looked to reach its fundraising target of $150,000 to $200,000.