January 16, 2013
Something amazing is happening in Nanango … in less than a week, an idea by two women to help raise money for the Leukaemia Foundation has snowballed into a community effort involving more than 60 people.
Individuals, community groups and businesses – big and small – have come on board to raise funds under the slogan “United As One”. They’re all part of a team, dubbed “Family First” which has registered for the Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave.
Cath Kenny, from Shortiez Country Fried Chicken, and local singer Donna Moore are behind the effort.
“I just want to believe that if we all work together as one, we can make a difference,” Donna said.
Tragedy has struck the lives of the two friends. Donna has lost six people close to her over the past 12 months; Cath is dedicating her effort to her late uncle who died from cancer.
“We just want to bring some happiness back into the region. Everyone has suffered enough through all types of dramas,” Donna said.
Each has set themselves fundraising targets of $10,000. Both Donna and her husband Doug will be losing their locks as part of the fund-raising effort, while Cath will be colouring.
Backing them are Nanango SES members, council workers, the Palace Hotel, Nash Saddles, Chill Zone Internet Cafe, Nanango Tattoos, The Mad Gamer, It Works! Global’s local distributor, and of course, Shortiez CFC.
So how did they gather together all the support?
“We just started walking around town and talking to people,” Donna said.
Various fundraising offers and events have already been planned and so far about 20 people have also volunteered to be shaved and about 40 have put up their hands to be coloured.
Donna has raised almost $1000 in just two days. She is donating sales of a CD and is doing sketch portraits of children to help raise money.These can be purchased via Donna’s Facebook page
Cath is organising raffles, a karaoke night and a two-day Australia Day weekend of events at Shortiez CFC.
Other business fundraisers include:
- Temporary hair-colourings will be offered at the Palace Hotel from 10:00am on Australia Day; Jo Makings said the cost would be a gold coin donation.
- It Works! local distributor Leasa Bailey is hosting a “wrap for a cure” on January 26-27 from 10:00am to 4:00pm at Shortiez CFC. More information about this event is on Facebook.
- Arthur Dawson, the Nanango SES local controller, has issued issued a challenge to all other SES and police in the area to join in the World’s Greatest Shave. SES members from Nanango have joined the Shortiez team and have volunteered to be shaved or coloured.
Anyone who would like to join the “Family First” fund-raising team is invited to drop into Shortiez CFC in Henry Street, Nanango, and fill in a registration form.
Businesses from throughout the South Burnett who would like to get involved with special offers or other types of fund-raising can contact Cath on 0404-574-034.
The World’s Greatest Shave will be held officially between March 14-17.
External links
- Cath Kenny’s sponsorship page on the World’s Greatest Shave 2013 website and the Family First team page
[UPDATED: February 21, 2013]
