By Wendy Williamson
Warburton teenager Hannah Mahoney might have a cold, bare head, but she knows the loss of her locks has been worth it.
Through her sponsored head shave, Hannah far exceeded her goal of raising $3000 for a Cambodian vet and his charitable clinic.
Generous donors helped her raise a total of $5230 for Dr Thy Buntha and his Ouk Hok Sy Veterinary Clinic in Siem Reap.
Many of the animal lovers in Dr Buntha’s region are poor. He doesn’t ask for payment if he knows they can’t afford it.
The vet’s passion for animals and generosity towards their owners touched Hannah’s heart and she determined to do what she could to help.
Many of her friends and teachers at Upper Yarra Secondary College contributed towards the campaign.
“She had collection tins at the vets at Yarra Junction, Seville and Wandin. She also raised a lot of funds through running a raffle with three lovely prizes donated by local people,” said Hannah’s mother, Suyin Chan.
Hannah had her head shaved at the Koha Community Cafe in Yarra Junction, where she has volunteered for the last seven years.
One of her friends sold cupcakes to her work colleagues to help her raise funds. Because she had contributed the most, she had the honour of cutting Hannah’s braids.
“Hannah’s hair was braided in order for it to be then donated to Variety, who make wigs for sick children,” explained her mother.
“She’s feeling cold, but has lots of beanies and was loaned a special school cap to wear at school (they have a no beanie policy).”
Suyin thanked everyone who donated in any way to her daughter’s fund-raiser.
