Scotch College has made the World’s Greatest Shave an annual tradition for over ten years now. What began as a small school fundraising initiative has since grown into one of the most anticipated and powerful events in our school calendar.
This year, our community came together to raise over $200,000, the most we’ve ever raised. It’s a testament to the deep connection so many of us feel toward this incredible cause.
The campaign has become more than just a school fundraiser. It’s a symbol of unity, compassion, and the incredible impact that students can have when given the opportunity to step up.
Each year, the fundraiser is student-led, which is something we’re particularly proud of. From the moment we launch, there’s a real energy across the school.
How we fundraised through our school
As one of the School Vice Captains and a proud organiser this year, I’ve had the privilege of helping bring our campaign to life. From organising our Shave Day and communicating with the Leukaemia Foundation, to working closely with our student leaders and House groups to ensure everyone feels involved and empowered, it’s been an incredible experience.
We sent regular emails out to boys and shared moving stories of families in our community who have been personally impacted by blood cancer, all of which helped bring a deeper level of meaning to our efforts.
One of the highlights of this year’s campaign was inviting guests to our assemblies. Speakers included Ms Mikayla Denney and the mum of a Year 10 boy who had been diagnosed with leukaemia, who bravely shared her story of living with a family member affected by blood cancer. Her story struck a chord with so many and reminded us all why we were doing this. Not just for the numbers or the spectacle, but to stand alongside every family affected and say, "You’re not alone."
The big fundraising event!
Our big Shave event at the end of term was truly unforgettable. We had over 20 Year 5 boys shave their heads in support of a classmate who recently celebrated 4 years in remission.
Every boy in the Junior school coloured their hair and got around the cause in the best way they could. At the Middle School event, Year 8 students put their best foot forward and made a bold statement by having record numbers shave their heads. The event had over 160 Year 12 students volunteering to shave their head on the chapel lawn with the girls from Presbyterian Ladies’ College.
The atmosphere was electric – full of excitement, support, and lots of laughs. Watching younger students cheer on their older peers, staff lining up to join in, and parents gathering to witness it all was a reminder of how lucky we are to have such a caring and compassionate community.
How to make your school fundraiser a successful and memorable one
What I think really makes our fundraising efforts successful is that we don’t treat it like a one-off event – we treat it like a movement. We give people different ways to contribute – from Shaving and fundraising, to simply spreading the word.
Everyone has a role to play, and we focus on building a culture of collective effort, where every small action adds up to something greater. I would like to thank the Leukaemia Foundation for their ongoing support, and I look forward to seeing this tradition continue at for many years to come.
Sign up and fundraise with your school
Sign up to the World’s Greatest Shave today to help fuel real, tangible change for Australians impacted by blood cancer.
