WINGHAM High School student Melinda Marion and mum Narelle are overwhelmed by the results of their ‘shave’ fundraiser for cancer research held in Wingham on Sunday, June 19. Melinda’s goal was to raise $2000. She reached that and then some – $2741.90 with donations still rolling in.
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Melinda, family members, and fellow TS Manoora navy cadets made up the original crew of eight people braving a number one setting on the clippers. Three more people decided to join in on the day.
Melinda’s grandmother Therese Luxford was challenged by Narelle to shave, making three generations of women from the same family now sporting bald heads. Cadet staff Justin Tullipan was challenged by cadet staff Graham Myer and Greg Dickson of Manning River Steel.
The third person to join in was Mr Gerald Ryan, who read the article in the Manning Great Lakes Extra promoting the fundraiser. Mr Ryan recently lost a friend to cancer and wished to shave his head to help raise funds.
“We were able to raise more money from him shaving and it was emotional having someone show up and decide to join in,” Narelle said.
Prior to shaving each of the cadets gave their own personal reason for shaving their hair: Joden Oxford “for my aunty”, Jessica Morris-Jackson “for my grandfather”, Ricky Briffa “for my uncle Wayne”, and Melinda “for empathy and to raise funds”.
“It is amazing how the community and businesses have been supporting this event,” Narelle said. “My family and I have only been in Wingham for the last two and a half years and we finally feel like we have a place to call home. Thanks to everyone today.”
Melinda’s final thoughts for the day were, “Totally overwhelmed with how many of my peers, community members and businesses came together to help make this day a success.”
Pictured above are all eleven people who helped raise funds by having their heads shaved (in no order): Mr Gerald Ryan, Ricky Briffa, Steve Germon, Alison Germon, Graham Myer, Melinda and Narelle Marion, Therese Luxford, Justin Tullipan, Jessica Morris-Jackson, and Joden Oxford.