School seniors have raised more than $32,000 for a local charity in a few short days, showing hard work and determination can make a positive impact.
Each year, the Year 12s at Matthew Flinders Anglican College lead a fundraising campaign for a different local charity to raise awareness, support local organisations and experience the reward of giving back to people in need.
This year the seniors’ chosen charity was Bloomhill Cancer Care, a local community-based integrative cancer care centre.
The cohort’s Bloom in June fundraiser featured slushy machines, a bake sale, a non-uniform day, a community car wash and buzz cuts and ponytail chops.
As part of the fundraiser, the college hosted the Buzz for Bloomhill event, in which 15 girls, 23 boys and four teachers in the senior school had their hair buzzed or their ponytails chopped for charity, raising more than $30,000 in donations.
Together, the girls’ cut ponytail length totalled 361cm and was donated to Sustainable Salons to be made into wigs for people suffering from cancer and other medically induced hair-loss conditions.
Parents, grandparents and Bloomhill representatives came along to watch the lunchtime spectacle and cheer on the participants. Some even stepped in themselves, picking up the clippers to help give their child a fresh cut.
The owner of Suite Three Hair in Buderim, Maria Faulder, and her team assisted with the haircuts. The salon has been involved in charity projects at Flinders for many years.
Flinders head of senior school Duncan Greenbank said the seniors enjoyed stepping up to lead their peers for a worthy charity.
“As our Year 12 students prepare to graduate and step into the wider world, they carry not only the hopes for their own future but the responsibility of leaving a meaningful legacy,” Mr Greenbank said.
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“Their time as seniors is shaped by a deep sense of custodianship; honouring the values of those who came before them while setting the tone for those who will follow.
“Amid the demands of their final year, it is heartening to see our seniors continue to think beyond themselves, choosing to make a positive and lasting impact on the community around them.”
