World’s Greatest Shave Month may have come and gone, but across Australia, people are still shaving their hair for cancer — turning a bold, visible act into life-changing support for those facing blood cancer.
These inspiring fundraising stories show how everyday Australians are continuing to shave their hair for charity, standing in solidarity with patients and families during some of the toughest moments of their lives — and raising vital funds to help them through.
Tasmanian community unites for 'A Day for Josh' – a fundraising event in memory of Josh Hills
In December 2019, father of two Josh Hills was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. After briefly entering remission, Josh relapsed in 2021 and sadly passed away in March 2023.
“Throughout this journey, the Leukaemia Foundation has been an incredible support, providing accommodation, transport, food vouchers, and ongoing assistance that we continue to rely on today,” says Ella, Josh's sister.
In the face of that loss, his local Tasmanian community has turned grief into action, coming together each year for ‘A Day for Josh’ – a powerful event dedicated to raising funds in his honour. This year, the Longley community just south of Hobart gathered at the Longley Hotel for a day of shaves, cuts, colours, raffles, live music and auctions. All to celebrate Josh’s life, legacy, and support others facing blood cancer.
Through shaving hair for charity and rallying around one another, the community raised over $30,000 for the Leukaemia Foundation – helping ensure more Australians like Josh receive the critical care and support they need, when they need it most.
Thank you to this incredible community for turning remembrance into real impact.
Melbourne-based siblings Reuben, Ambrose, and Ava braved the shave in honour of their Grandmother
After losing their Grandmother, Nanny, to blood cancer, Melbourne siblings Reuben, Ambrose and Ava made the powerful decision to honour her by shaving their hair for cancer.
“In 2018, we lost our Beautiful Grandmother, Nanny, after her long battle with blood cancer. This year, we [shaved our heads] to honour her, and to support those fighting cancer today,” Reuben says.
“She battled non-Hodgkin lymphoma on multiple occasions and went through chemotherapy a few times as a result. Although she battled through and survived the many iterations of blood cancer, it took a massive toll on her health. Nanny was the ultimate glue to the family, all my memories of her are the purest, most joyful and loving memories I could ever possess.”
In the lead up to their event, Reuben decided to give their fundraising a boost by shaving down to an eye-catching mohawk and colouring it to raise further funds for the Leukaemia Foundation.
The close-knit trio, who named their team RAVA, organised a shave event at their local pub with a goal to raise $5,000. The evening featured live music acts, including Reuben's own band, staggered between their shaves onstage.
Their fundraising campaign didn’t go unnoticed, catching the attention of none other than 7 News as well as World's Greatest Shave National Hair Ambassador Frank Ciccone who went along to their incredible shave event.
The end result? Team RAVA smashed their $5,000 fundraising goal, raising a total of $7,005 for Australians facing blood cancer. Thank you to this incredible trio for going above and beyond for patients and families doing it tough.
Team RAVA pulled out all the stops for their epic shave event. Photo credit: Danielle Cassarino
Not quite ready to brave the shave? Cut or colour your hair instead — just like 10-year-old Elletayah
From a young age, Sunshine Coast local Elletayah has loved helping others. So when she decided it was time for a new haircut, she found a way to turn it into something bigger.
Instead of simply cutting her hair, Elletayah chose to cut her hair for charity through the World’s Greatest Shave, raising funds to support Australians facing blood cancer.
“I had wanted to cut my hair short for a long time and Mum said why not do it for a good cause, so I was all in. When we walked around our neighbourhood to ask for donations, we found a neighbour whose niece has leukemia, it made me feel sad but also made me feel better for doing something great for families like theirs," she says.
On the big day, Elletayah handed the scissors to her mum, who lopped off her long locks in front of friends and supporters – with every dollar raised going towards critical blood cancer support and research.
"I was so excited and nervous I love my new haircut because it's not so heavy and that I get to wear different styles and have it out at school. I feel good about donating my hair to make a wig for someone who has lost their because of cancer treatment like a girl in my school."
After sharing her fundraising page far and wide – and even going door-knocking around her neighbourhood asking for donations – Elletayah raised a grand total of $1,100! When asked what she’d say to other kids thinking about getting involved, her message was simple:
"It's a good thing to help people in need. You don't have to shave, you can just cut your hair like I did or colour it. It's a chance to be brave and try a new hairstyle. Make a day of it and create an event. You may also meet people and families that have stories to share about their fight with cancer."
