At Calvary Strzelecki House, two staff members and three residents jumped on board and to shave their heads for this year’s World’s Greatest Shave.

“The idea came from a resident, who had been touched many times by cancer, and the opportunity seemed too good to refuse,” said Nat Jones, part of Calvary Strzelecki House’s lifestyle team.

When asked why she was taking part, resident Margaret Murray said, “I’m doing it for my husband who’s lost most of his family to cancer, I’ve lost two sisters and some friends. No matter what cancer it is, it’s awful.”

As well as the head shaving event, many residents and staff members joined in the celebrations by sporting crazy hairstyles and accessories, whilst others used brightly coloured hairsprays.

Personal Care Worker and fellow shave participant, Miriam Drzycimski, described how her experience working in aged care has shown her how cancer affects not just those living with the disease but their loved ones as well, so to involve the family members in the event was a special touch.

With an original fundraising target of $2,500, the team at Calvary Strzelecki House was surprised and touched to discover the final total raised was an impressive $3,870.

In addition, all the hair collected on the day will be used to either make wigs for cancer patients, or to absorb ocean oil spills, helping protect the environment.

“It’s a wonderful cause and our efforts will hopefully help a lot of people,” said employee Libby Barker, who also braved the shave.

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