Boys get $5k, principal goes bald

LOSING THEIR LOCKS: Students (from left) Stephen Batchelar, 17, Eliot Fenton, 17, Renton Barrett, 16, Trent Harris, 17 (back) and Matangireia Yates-Francis, 16. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER 140314SP9

The challenge has been set for the Rotorua Boys' High School seniors - they need to find a $5000 sponsor so they can watch their principal shave his head.

While it might seem like a costly haircut, the students will be raising money and awareness for Shave for a Cure, Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand's signature fundraising event.

"We have the whole 1st XV (rugby) team and five boys and two teachers will be shaving their heads," student organiser Pragnesh Morarji said.

"Our principal, Mr [Chris] Grinter said if we get one person or business to sponsor $5000 then he will do it too."

The Year 13 students have been reaching out to those with close connections to the school and alumni members and have also contacted Jonah Lomu's wife Nadene as the former All Black knows Mr Grinter.

"Last year our deputy head boy raised quite a bit of money for this cause and we want to continue that effort," Pragnesh said.

"We're just really wanting everyone to get behind this and support this worthy cause."

The big shave off will take place on Tuesday.

Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand is the national charity dedicated to supporting patients and their families living with a blood cancer or a related blood condition. It receives no government funding.

Money raised is used for patient support programmes, research, information, awareness, and advocacy.

To donate to the Rotorua Boys' High School's Shave for a Cure event, ring the school on (07) 348 6169 ext 895 or email rbh.interact@gmail.com.