Barossa Enterprises and Vinpac International came together on Friday to banish their everyday 9-5 hairdos to embrace a new look as they joined forces to help beat blood cancer.
The team raised close to $3,000 in funds for the annual Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave, joining 20,000 Australians who take part in the much-loved campaign to help beat blood cancers like leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma.
More than 100,000 Australians are currently living with blood cancers and another 35 Australians are diagnosed every day.
Sadly, an Australian will lose their life to the disease every 41 minutes.
Workmates all over the country are supporting the cause in 2019, and while many are choosing to shave all their hair, others will cut, colour or wax instead or sponsor their boss and fellow colleagues.
Leukaemia Foundation CEO, Mr Bill Petch said businesses like Barossa Enterprises and Vinpac International were integral in helping to fund a future where blood cancer is no longer a death sentence in Australia.
“These people are extraordinary Australians who are stepping up and helping others less fortunate than themselves. It shows enormous bravery, resilience and empathy to shave their heads in support of someone living with a blood cancer,” said Mr Petch.
The World’s Greatest Shave at Barossa Enterprises, was a day filled with fun activities.
The Barossa Enterprises’ Social Club held an event in the morning, where participants enjoyed playing giant board games whilst listening to music provided by resident DJ, Jake Argent.
A barbecue lunch followed and was cooked by the Rotary Club of Barossa Valley.
Even though the weather was a mere 14 degrees, it didn’t perturb staff members Garry Velt (CEO), James Heuzenroeder, Sydnee Storton and supported employee Skye Lambert from being submersed in freezing cold water in the Water Dunking Tank, used to assist their fundraising efforts on the day.
The colour and shaving event kicked off in the afternoon, where 20 participants from Barossa Enterprises and Vinpac International, showed their bravery by either shaving or colouring.
“The money raised to-date will provide accommodation for a rural family for almost one month or enough to aid future breakthroughs by funding a major blood cancer project, for one week,” said Kerry Hampel, Branding and Communications Co-ordinator at Barossa Enterprises.
“Knowing this will support the life of a person diagnosed with blood cancer means a lot to our team members who have been supporting the World’s Greatest Shave for the fourth consecutive year now.”