Jaz to brave the shave

Jaz Cole is raising funds for the World's Greatest Shave. Picture: JED LANYON

By Jed Lanyon

A seven year old Millgrove resident is shaving her head for a good cause.

Jaz Cole has pledged to take part in the World’s Greatest Shave and will be donating her hair to someone in need on her 8th birthday on 11 June.

The Yarra Junction Primary School student has raised over $2200 and counting so far and wants to reach $4000 in time for her birthday. Jaz was inspired to take part after seeing her friend brave the shave last year and wanted to help others suffering from cancer.

Jaz placed collection tins around local businesses in the Upper Yarra and her classmates will be given the chance to help chop off her locks if they donate a dollar to the cause.

“They’re excited to see what I look like,” Jaz said. “They were shocked to see how much money I wanted to raise.”

Jaz’s mother Marissa said she was proud of her daughter’s efforts.

“We’re very proud, she’s done really well. In the first 24 hours she raised nearly $500,” she said. “She’s done a great job and is still pushing to get there. I think she’s just waiting for the day now.”

And the seven year old is prepared for a cold winter with a shaved head.

“I’ve got a stock of beanies,” she said.

The World’s Greatest Shave raises vital funds to help Auastrlaians beat blood cancer.

Every day another 47 Australians are diagnosed with a blood cancer, according to the World’s Greatest Shave. That’s one Aussie every 31 minutes. Although research is improving survival, sadly an Australian loses their life to blood cancer every two hours.

For more information about Jaz’s fundraiser, visit: https://bit.ly/3yWZNDw