Fundraiser generates a buzz

FOUR local schoolboys who shaved their heads for a fantastic cause have smashed their fundraising goal by more than a thousand dollars.

Grade 6 students Asher, Harry, Zeke, and James, who attend Bacchus Marsh Primary School, had their heads shaved last week to raise funds for the Peace of Mind Foundation.

The Foundation supports brain cancer patients and their families, with Harry deciding to shave his head in honour of his family friend Marcus, who is battling brain cancer.

When his three mates heard what he was doing, the “Awesome Foursome” as they are known had soon all pledged to shave their heads for the cause.

Zeke’s mum Belinda Horne, who is also the School Wellbeing Educator, said the school community were very proud of the four.

“We did the shave at assembly, it was amazing. They got up in front of their fellow students, staff, and parents, and talked about what they were doing and why they were doing it,” she said.

“Marcus came to assembly too and talked about what his journey had been like, and how touched he was by what the boys had chosen to do.

“The boys had grown their hair so long that they were able to donate some of their hair for wigs for cancer patients. They had plaits in their hair, so they were cut before their heads were shaved.”

While the families at the school got on board with donating, Ms Horne said the wider community had been amazing as well.

“The boys have been overwhelmed with the amount of support from the community, not just the school. They’re involved with sporting groups who have shared the page and the boys’ story.

“We’re very proud of them. It’s been lovely to see firstly Harry’s care and desire to help someone important to him and his family, and then the other boys in their care for Harry and the importance of helping those with brain cancer, get on board too.”

The boys set a fundraising goal of $2,500, but have raised $4,000 at the time of writing.

To contribute, head to the foundation’s fundraising page and search “Awesome Foursome”.