Buzzed for bucks

In Shave to Save 2007, five volunteers had their hair shorn off to raise money for breast cancer research. And when all the donations were added up, proceeds for this year's event surpassed $20,000 — the largest amount raised by the school since it began participating in the annual event two years ago.

This time the donations surpassed even the most optimistic expectations.

“We doubled our goal,” said a very proud Senior School Director Shawn O’Donnell.

The event took place on Thursday, Oct. 25, when Mix 96 radio personalities Lisa Player, Murray Sherrifs and Tom Buddo dropped by the school to help out with the head-shaving, which was carried out by stylist Allessandra Vasallo of LaCoupe hair salon.

Twin brothers Graham and Trevor Hooton from Grade 11, and Jeremy Micheletti from Grade 8 were joined by teachers Mike Downey and Dean Phillips on the 'chopping block'. In order to qualify for the honour of having their heads shaved, each volunteer first had to raise a minimum of $2,000 in donations — canvassing friends, colleagues and even total strangers to raise the money.

This year’s fundraising drive was spearheaded by the Hooton brothers, who kicked off their personal campaigns by holding a car wash in September that brought in $500.

“Door-to-door fundraising brought in enormous amounts of money,” said their mother, Julie Hooton. “At the onset, they were trying to raise their $2,000 buy-ins plus $1,000 for a total of $5,000 for the two of them. They ended up bringing in $7,500! People in the larger community were very supportive and generous. And the involvement of friends from other schools increased the number of campaigners, and increased awareness for the event.”

O’Donnell pointed out that the event's success was also due to the efforts of several volunteers, especially Senior English teacher Jonathan Bracewell and Senior School Assistant April Wong.

“So often breast cancer is seen as a women’s issue, but the reality is that we may all be affected by this disease at some point in our lives," Mrs. Hooton added. "The Shave to Save event at Selwyn House allows the boys to take a lead role in helping to bring about a cure.”