$500,000 FUNRAZED FOR CHILD CANCER

This year’s funrazor event has been bigger and better than ever with over $500,000 raised and 673 New Zealanders shaving their hair at 19 shave stations throughout the country on Thursday 6 December.

The Foundation has been overwhelmed by the increase in support for the head-shave event which saw generous individuals and businesses pledge their locks to raise funds for children and families affected by cancer.

“It’s only the second year we’ve taken the event nationwide and in many locations participants have doubled the amount of money raised. Auckland is one such event, raising over $93,000,” says Child Cancer Foundation Marketing Manager Olivia Blaylock.

Rain didn’t deter the 100 shavees that turned out at Aotea Square for the big shave at 12pm on Thursday. Celebrity shavees included Classic Hits DJ Jason Reeves, Dave Fane, Pulp Sport’s Bill and Vodafone Warriors Captain Steve Price, whose personal funrazor drive raised over $26,000.

Christchurch, where funrazor was first held in 2003, again produced the most number of shaved heads with over 160 people going under the razor before a large audience in Cathedral Square at 5pm on event day.

“The funds generated by funrazor shavees means the Foundation can provide essential services to a greater number of children and families facing childhood cancer throughout the country, particularly those who travel to receive treatment,” says Blaylock.

The success of funrazor 2007 can also be attributed to a number of generous businesses who took part in the head-shave event. None more dedicated than the Foundation’s newly-signed gold sponsor South Canterbury Finance who collectively raised over $81,200.

The nationwide finance company had 31 staff members take part with CEO Lachie McLeod, six women, 10 general managers and COO Peter Bosworth among those who watched their locks fall for the Child Cancer Foundation.

“Shaving your hair is a huge commitment and we’re delighted over 30 of our staff made a personal sacrifice for children and families going thorough this immense hardship in the communities we service,” says South Canterbury Finance CEO Lachie McLeod.

“It’s one thing for South Canterbury Finance to commit funds to fight child cancer, but another thing altogether to watch our staff get behind the cause and put their hair and hearts on the line to raise a total of more than $81,200. It’s an effort we’re hugely proud of and a great way to get the sponsorship kick-started,” says McLeod.

To see what the buzz is all about, and find out more about the upcoming Tauranga event on Saturday 15 December visit www.funrazor.org.nz