Local care workers at Garden Village in Port Macquarie shave for a cause, raising over $10,000 for the Cancer Council

PERSONAL care assistants, Katie Hendry and Alison Russell, from Garden Village in Port Macquarie, recently raised more than $10,000 for Cancer Council NSW.

On Wednesday 1 July residents, families and staff gathered to watch Katie and Alison have their heads shaved for their Do It For Cancer fundraiser.

Created by the Cancer Council, Do It For Cancer is a community platform that enables people to fundraise in a way that suits them.

Dry July, Daffodil Day Dip, Seven Bridges Walk and Shave for a Cause are all well known fundraisers for the Cancer Council.

Money raised for Do It For Cancer goes straight to Cancer Council NSW.

Local hairdressers Jo Forrester and Sharon Head volunteered their time and skills.

Katie donated her hair to Sustainable Salons, where it will be turned into a wig for someone experiencing hair loss.

Garden Village community engagement manager Jo McNamara said the event reflected the strength of the Garden Village community.

“Cancer affects so many families, and it was wonderful to see residents, families and staff all come together to support Alison and Katie,” she said.

Garden Village also contributed $1,000 to the fundraising effort in recognition of the pair’s generosity.

“It’s great to see employees getting behind their teammates to make a real difference,” said acting CEO Gary Dingley.

“This is exactly the kind of community spirit that makes Garden Village such a special place to work and live.”

Lauren Fraser, community fundraising specialist at Cancer Council NSW, thanked Alison, Katie and the wider Garden Village community.

“Fundraisers like Alison and Katie are the reason we can keep funding life-changing cancer research, prevention programs and support services,” she said.

“We’re so grateful to them for choosing to fundraise for the cause.”

By Pauline CAIN