By KATRINA BRANDON
IT’S about that time to let down our hair, having a shave or to bring in colour.
The Grand Junction Hotel held an event for the World’s Greatest Shave on Sunday, April 21, with five individuals braving the cold changes coming in.
With beanies and hats ready for use and clippers in hand, Josh Griffith, Ian Virtue, David Wilberforce, David North, and Steve Anderson enjoyed the cut of the day. Kelly Matthews from Kelly’s Hair completed the cuts during the event and one later in the afternoon in Rosedale for Renee Winterton.
During the day, about 30 people attended the event, raising $4428.95 towards the cause.
Mr Virtue told the Express he was happy with the crowd on the day, but wished more people had attended the event. This year is the third year that Mr Virtue has completed the cut, and he wants to keep doing it for years to come. He said that many family members, including his father, have had cancer in the past and that, at the end of the day, it’s just hair.
“Other people in the family have had cancer. So, hair? I don’t care about hair. If I can sacrifice a little bit of hair to help somebody in the future, I am more than happy to do that,” he said.
“I grow it for two years. I do it until people say it’s time to shave that mop. When people say that, that’s when it’s time to raise some money.”
While the tickle of the clippers and the early frosts aren’t for everyone, Mr Virtue said there are other things people can do. For those who don’t want to shave their hair, people can colour their hair or just a little section of hair instead for the World’s Greatest Shave.
“In a shave for a cure, you can cut your hair, or you can colour your hair. Put some silly streaks through your hair for a week or a month. You are still doing something. It’s about standing out and making people aware of something. Why do you look like that? It’s for this. You stop getting picked on instantly. You just have to have that self-confidence to start with to go bugger other people’s opinions. I am doing this for me and a bigger cause.”
“It’s about the time and effort, not so much about the money. Money helps, don’t get me wrong. It’s about the time and effort. People committing to something beyond themselves, that’s what it is all about for me.”
Licensee of the Grand Junction, Annette Vogt said: “It was a successful day and we appreciate the support from the local community and thank you to all that attended.”
