$3,000 was raised via donations and a raffle draw to go towards Black Dog Institute and men’s mental health; the cost - a 42cm beard and 62cm head of hair.
Friends, family and complete strangers came together on Saturday night at Club Corowa to watch a highly anticipated haircut and raise more than $3,000 for men’s mental health.
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With the help of young apprentice Sarah from Cutting Edge Hairdressing, I finally shed my full head of hair, my 42cm beard, and about 2kg in the process.
The aim of the night was to raise much needed awareness and funds for men’s mental health, to try to inspire men to speak out about their problems rather than keeping them locked away.
Getting ready for the shave.
That was certainly achieved, with owner of Rutherglen’s Caffeine ‘n Machine café Nick Hawtin coming over to produce a raw and moving speech about his battles with depression, the warning signs to look out for, and the importance of reaching out.
“You need to understand that depression doesn’t just effect you, it effects everyone around you,” Nick said.
“You need to recognize the signs and reach out to get help, because if you’re not ok, you can’t help those around you.
“And sometimes all it takes is a five-minute chat.
“But if you don’t get that off your chest, it’ll eat you up.”
Slowly revealing the face after all these years.
The jovial and ever-witty Dave Harrison lead the night as MC, with his commentary throughout providing light entertainment for spectators as Sarah went to work.
As the follicles dropped to the floor, revealing a face unseen for more than a decade, the night’s raffle was drawn, giving away 20 prizes generously donated by local Corowa businesses.
Almost done.
By the end of the night, more than $3,000 had been raised from the event, a few laughs were had as my ears poked out with no hair to hide them, and a bribe of ice cream was required to get a photo with my daughter, Indianna.
I would like to thank everyone involved in putting the night together: all of the businesses that donated so generously, Lauren Finlayson and Alex Bock from Club Corowa for helping to organize the event, Nick Hawtin for his moving speech, Dave Harrison and Leo Anic, and last, but not least, my family for putting up with my hair.
All finished, with hairdresser Sarah from Cutting Edge Hairdressing.
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