Community rallies to shave for a cure

WHEN Kate Richter registered for the World’s Greatest Shave, the Toolleen community quickly got on board with several members signing up to join her.

Participants can shave their heads or dye their hair to raise money for the Leukaemia Foundation.

“I was out with some friends when I told them I was thinking of doing it,” Ms Richter said.

“A number of family members have battled cancer, and I wanted to do something.

“My father passed away with brain cancer, two sisters survived breast cancer, two daughters survived thyroid cancer, and my son had testicular cancer at 22 years of age.

“He was told he would never be able to be a father but now has three beautiful children.”

Ms Richter, who moved to Heathcote from Ballina in 2024, is grateful for the support from her colleagues at the Toolleen Hotel.

“It is great for the community that we are doing this as a group and the support has been amazing,” she said.

“Some of us will be colouring our hair while others will be shaving heads or beards.

“So far, we have Donna Jenkinson, Alan, Brad Warburton, Trevor, Harisen Ede, Sue Twomey, Gavin, Kate and Darren who will be joining me and I would welcome anyone else who wants participate.

“Sharlene Maddocks who works in the hotel bar and is soon opening her own salon in Toolleen will be doing the shaves and colouring.

“I will also be holding a garage sale on 1 March at 214 Speed Street, Heathcote leading up to the shave and a $100 club with tickets at $5 each.

“If anyone has any donations, they can call me on 0438 586 501.

“We are also looking for anyone who would like to sponsor us for the cost of World’s Greatest Shave T-shirts.”

Ms Richter said her goal for the fundraising effort is $5000.

“We have had some amazing community support, and I am sure we can reach that figure,” she said.

“I would especially like to thank Toolleen Hotel for allowing us to use the Tin Shed for the event, Charlie Miller for donating a $50 meat voucher and Joan Stammers from the Watering Hole for donating $20 worth of scratchies for the $100 club.”

The World’s Greatest Shave event will be held on 22 March in the Tin Sed, next to the Toolleen Hotel, at 2.30pm. Everyone is welcome.