Before the age of AI and social media, our World’s Greatest Shave fundraisers had to get creative and were able to raise donations for charity in a number of ways. Whether it was spreading their “why” far and wide, connecting with members of their community in-person, or hosting large events that showcased the spectacle of shaving, cutting or colouring their hair, they did it all to raise life-changing funds for blood cancer care.
In this article, we speak to World’s Greatest Shave regulars Allison and Geoffrey about their favourite fundraising tips and tactics and what it means to shave, cut or colour year after year.
Start with your “why”
Sharing why you’re fundraising is the best way to raise awareness of the cause and your event as well as receive donations. Communicating the impact of each dollar raised in an easy-to-understand way increases the chances of someone donating and sharing your page with others.
World’s Greatest Shave fundraiser Allison lost her dad to blood cancer in 2010 after he was diagnosed with leukaemia several years prior. When she wanted to help others living with blood cancer, she found the Leukaemia Foundation and the World’s Greatest Shave.
“I wanted to be a voice for others. When I found that there was the Leukaemia Foundation, I wanted to do everything I could to help others and their families. I signed up for the World's Greatest Shave in 2011 and pledged to shave my hair every year and raise much needed funds. To provide the much-needed support.”
Geoffrey has been a regular fundraiser for over 17 years and shares his “why” far and wide when starting his fundraiser each year.
“I started participating in the World's Greatest Shave as my Nono and Nona passed from leukaemia. When I was in year 4, one of my classmates also had leukaemia and unfortunately passed away from it. In 2008, I discovered World's Greatest Shave and decided to participate in the event every year.”
How to fundraise for the first time
While taking part in the World's Greatest Shave for the first time is exciting, it can feel a little overwhelming when it comes to fundraising. Geoffrey and Allison share their advice for first-timers and provide tangible tips and tricks to make it easier to get started.
Don’t put pressure on yourself
Setting a fundraising goal is a great motivator and incentive to raise funds. But don’t feel like you need to reach it if it's your first time as any amount raised, big or small, helps provide life-changing care to Australians living with blood cancer. Geoffrey encourages people who are fundraising for the first time to not put too much pressure on themselves to reach their fundraising goal. Instead, his advice is to focus on the event and the impact you’re already making.
“The best advice I can give to first timers is to have fun with the event and do not fret if you don't reach your fundraising goal. Even a small number of donations can help make a big impact.”
Get out into the community (in-person and online)
Getting out into the community - whether it's virtually or in-person – is vital for any fundraiser! Allison recommends sharing your “why” and where the donations go through your various networks such as your workplace, gym, school, friendship groups, and more.
“Once people are aware of where the money goes including accommodation, counselling, and transport, it’s incredibly powerful. There are a lot of people who are not aware of the support available and how the money helps.”
Geoffrey has also found that an in-person, public World’s Greatest Shave event can help spread further awareness and encourage more donations. He has even broadcast his event on Facebook Live, using his online channels to help raise more funds.
Increase your impact by donating your hair
Whether you’re shaving or cutting your hair, you can help even more Australians impacted by cancer by donating hair to our partner, Sustainable Salons. Geoffrey does this each time he hosts a World’s Greatest Shave event and loves how it can help those in need.
“If you are shaving and cutting your hair, ensure to donate the clippings. Even short hair that can't be made into wigs helps to make hair booms for chemical spills. If I was unable fundraise directly, I would still donate my hair.”
Be proud of your impact
One of the most important things to remember when participating is to be proud of your impact. Thanks to our amazing community of fundraisers, the Leukaemia Foundation can continue providing critical support to families impacted by blood cancer.
Allison shares her proudest moment from her 15+ years of fundraising.
“For me, the proudest moment is shaving my hair every year and spreading awareness of the Leukaemia Foundation. To be able to fundraise and give back is a gift, and to hopefully be able to hear that there is a cure or a treatment to slow down the process. But, most of all, I’m proud to fundraise in memory of my dad.”
Geoffrey also shares his proudest moment when a student approached him to share a personal experience at a fundraising event.
“My proudest moment was when I did the first Swan View Senior High School event. A student approached and thanked me for holding the event because their aunty was currently going through chemotherapy, and seeing so many people showing their support deeply touched them.”
Our fundraising guides are here to help
Need more information and tips to get your fundraiser started? We've created handy fundraising guides to help you reach your fundraising goal every step of the way – from how to get donations to organising a successful event.
