When the team at Dubbo’s Alan Coates Cancer Centre decided to take part in the World’s Greatest Shave, their goal was to raise $3000 for the Leukaemia Foundation.
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By the time the clippers came out last Monday, they had already more than doubled that to $7400.
At the end of last week, that figure was $11,800.
Oncology nursing unit manager Tim Williams said the team is “stoked” about the amount they raised.
“We’re all very happy with the support that we’ve received,” he said.
“Everyone has been very generous and we’re stoked that we can donate this amount of money to the Leukaemia Foundation.
There’s a few cold heads around but they’re coping with it, wearing scarves and proudly showing off their bald heads.
- Tim Williams
Last Monday the centre held a sausage sizzle to raise funds, while six staff members had their heads shaved by Lou Dickson of Lou’s Hairem.
Leftover sausages were used for a second sizzle on Thursday, when the winners of a silent auction held throughout the week were also revealed.
The money raised through the World’s Greatest Shave helps fund research into blood cancers like lymphoma, leukaemia and myeloma, but also helps provide emotional and practical support to those affected.
Mr Williams thanked the community for their support.
“Donated items from business houses went a long way to supporting the day,” Mr Williams said.
“The support from the general manager [Debbie Bickerton] has been great.”
He said the patients were also appreciative – as well as being some of the most generous donors.
“I’m sure everyone recognises the support that staff are displaying when they do these events and it really does put yourself out there in a display of solidarity for patients that we support on a daily basis,” Mr Williams said.
“That empathy is something that they respect.
“Dubbo oncology will continue to support the community with fundraising events, both for nationally-recognised campaigns but also for improving the services that we can provide to those that attend the Alan Coates Cancer Centre.”
Read more: Shaving for a great cause
