Torquay Rotary plans a hairy fundraiser

THE Rotary Club of Torquay is keeping busy in the last weeks of 2020, with a long-awaited fundraising haircut later this month and its continued efforts to support less fortunate residents on the Surf Coast.

The club held its first fundraising barbecue – in a unique “drive-through” format – for the better part of six months in November.

However, barbecues are not the only thing Torquay Rotary members have been prevented from doing by the pandemic – president-elect Michael Reed has also been unable to get to his hairdresser.

Mr Reed is a well-known identity and business person in Torquay, but not many would recognise him at the moment with his long beard and flowing locks.

About 10 months into COVID-19, Mr Reed was in desperate need of a haircut and shave, and the Rotary Club of Torquay is equally in desperate need of funds to continue the many projects it supports, both locally and overseas.

Mr Reed has offered himself up as the means to raise some funds.

Just how much hair is removed will depend on how generous the community is with donations, with a target of $2,000 to remove it all.

John Zubler from Hair by John and Carly has offered his services to perform “Michael’s Big Shave”, which will be held in the gardens at the Kithbrooke Community Centre on December 20 at 11.30am.

A bring your own family Christmas picnic lunch will take place immediately afterwards, and all are welcome to join in.

For more information or to donate, head to torquayrotary.org.au.

The Rotary Club of Torquay has also been sourcing canned food donations from the community to help Torquay Food Bank make up Christmas hampers.

This project is modelled on a similar one employed by the Rotary Club of Eltham.

Members of the Rotary Club of Torquay have been distributing flyers with collection bags to neighbours, families and friends and their immediate neighbourhood.

Donations must be of “in date” canned food only to be suitable for distribution by Torquay Food Bank.

Torquay residents who wish to donate but have not been contacted by a neighbouring Rotarian can contact Torquay Food Aid by phoning 0409 614 630 or visit their new home at 2 Pimela Way (off Grossmans Road), Torquay.

Torquay Food Aid is a voluntary community organisation established in 1994 by Torquay’s churches to support families and individuals in need in the area.