Waitaki Girls’ High School year 13 student Phoebe Wang read out that quote to a packed school auditorium this week, saying it was her inspiration for being part of the school’s Shave for a Cure fundraiser for Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand (LBCNZ).
The student council, managed by deputy head girl Ella Fraser, 18, co-ordinated 30 students to have their hair shaved or cut to help raise funds for "life-saving treatment" for those suffering from blood cancer.
LBCNZ southern regional manager Deborah Tomlin said she was overwhelmed by the school’s support for the organisation.
"It’s amazing, we’re immensely grateful.
"I didn’t expect it to be like this — they’ve really risen to the challenge to help with patient support for the 20,000 Kiwis with blood cancer," she said.
Twenty students were part of "The Ponytail Project", and two students, Phoebe Wang, 17 and Brooke Lindsay, 15, donated 35.5cm of their hair for wig-making, while others donated 15cm-20cm.
Students and staff filled the hall in droves, many wearing a theme of orange and "wacky hair" styles to support the fundraising event.
Attendees shouted out a countdown and students shrieked and cheered as the girls had their ponytails cut and the boys had their hair shaved.
Ella said they had spent a month preparing for the fundraiser and she was really proud of the students.
"We have so many girls and boys involved and they’ve all done a really, really good job," she said.
Phoebe said they had "incredible support" and she was happy to be able to participate in the fundraiser.
The school had raised about $5000 online and donations were still rolling in.
Mrs Tomlin said "every bit of the money" the students raised would go a long way for those patients facing big challenges, including treatment and accommodation costs.
Hairdressers from Tickled Pink Hair Studio, Vivo Hair Salon and The Don Barbers had kindly donated their time for the cause, deputy principal Charmaine Nelson said.
