Bald in the heat!
29 Aug 2011
The clippers were running red hot at the official Bald in the Heat shave off on the 17th August. 37 Firefighters from around Hawke’s Bay, turned out to shave their heads.
“The girls from Upmarket Hair completed some amazing transformations, there were also some ‘quirky’ creations that the boys did for a bit of a laugh” says Linda Walsh, Fundraiser for Child Cancer Foundation Hawke’s Bay. Six of the Firemen were also joined by their young sons who bravely had their locks shaved to support for their dads.
“With a couple of ‘extra’ things thrown in on the night to help the fundraising, the total raised is sitting at close to $23,000” says Linda. “We are absolutely delighted with this result and the huge lengths that the guys went to to raise the money”. Firefighter, Ian Lilburn a Station Officer in the Bay View Volunteer brigade, shaved his trademark goatee and moustache for a healthy donation.
Once again the Duke of Gloucester turned on a great night complete with strobe lights and set up a ‘shearing stage’ and with support from the EIT Hairdressing school who provided some electric clippers. Waggs and Amy from More FM kept the donations flowing from a packed crowd of supporters.
The brigade that took home bragging rights by raising the most money were the 5 firefighters from Havelock North Volunteer brigade who raised just over $6,000 – half which was raised by the ‘lone female’ firefighter, Anita Murrell, who now proudly sports a number two for raising $3000. The participating brigades were Hastings and Napier professional and volunteer brigades, Taradale, Havelock North, Bay View and Rural Fire volunteer brigades. Supporting their Firefighters by also putting their locks on the line were Chris Nicoll, region Area Manager and Assistant Area Manager Ken Cooper.
“The guys were a bit worried about the cold snap and how cold their heads would be, but thanks to the Havelock North Spinners and Weavers they each got a hand knitted beanie to keep them warm” says Linda “Though it will take a couple of days for the guys to be able to put them on easily as newly shaved scalps are a bit like velcro!".
You can still give to Bald in the Heat by visiting www.fundraiseonline.co.nz where each Firefighter has their own fundraising page.