NEWHAVEN College’s unique Year 9 Horizons Project is designed to ignite students' curiosity and foster active participation in their learning journey by engaging with community groups and organisations.
Last week, Newhaven College Year 9 student Georgia Sanders, cheered on by a supportive crowd, underwent a rather dramatic haircut. She is raising much-needed funds for the Australian Cancer Research Foundation. Georgia gave an emotional speech about how she and her family have been touched by cancer too many times. They are also grieving the recent loss of a dear friend, Ray Howard, an active member of the Phillip Island community. Georgia wants to help find a cure for cancer and support those undergoing treatment.
Chloe Kidder from Elements Hair Room started the proceedings by braiding Georgia's hair. The braids were then cut off and will be donated to 'Wigs4Kids', which provides wigs for children undergoing treatment that causes hair loss. Then, Georgia's hair was all removed right down to a Number 1 shave!
Georgia, who is thrilled to have raised over $3,300 so far and is incredibly proud of her fundraising efforts. “Doing a shave for cancer research has been something I have wanted to do for a few years now. I have lost quite a few family members and close family friends to this horrible disease, so when I was offered to do a fundraiser at the school for my year 9 studies, I took it,’ she says. “Doing this shave was never for me, it was for Ray, Merryn, Paul, Sue and all the others who lost their courageous battle or who continue to fight. This is for you.”
Year 9 Teacher, Simon Furniss, is very impressed by Georgia’s dedication to this cause: “At some point, young people choose the causes that matter to them. Georgia has shown a remarkable commitment by fundraising for the Australian Cancer Research Foundation through her Brave Shave. She is an inspiration to us all, showing determination and selflessness by donating her own hair. Georgia, you’re a star!”
Newhaven College is incredibly proud of Georgia and the many other students like her, whose dedication to community, kindness, and giving back plays an important role in shaping them as they step into adulthood.