Trio’s locks go in fundraiser for foodbank

All smiles after their head shaves are East Otago Health Centre staff (from left) Andrea Buxton,...
All smiles after their head shaves are East Otago Health Centre staff (from left) Andrea Buxton, Jane Roberts and Michelle Lawrence. PHOTO: JULES CHIN
Three colleagues cast vanity aside for a good cause on Saturday.

The trio from the East Otago Health Centre in Palmerston braved the morning chill in Main St to shave their heads to raise money for the foodbank run by Progress of Waikouaiti Area.

"Head Shave for the Food Wave" is the fundraising brainchild of East Otago Health clinic practice manager Jane Roberts.

One-by-one, Mrs Roberts, practice nurse Andrea Buxton and nurse practitioner Michelle Lawrence shaved their locks in front of a supportive crowd of about 50 people, who were cheering and clapping.

The fundraiser has raised $600 and three boxes of donated food goods for the foodbank.

Mrs Roberts said it was "really good" and they would continue the fundraiser for another week.

Practice nurse Cindy Mullens said she was "too vain" to shave her head, so was donating money "not to", she joked.

She has been at the medical centre for three years and praised her fellow health centre staff for their bravery.

"It’s not just about raising money. It’s also showing the community that the medical centre is an approachable place.

"It gives people an inroad to know there is solidarity and trust.

"I really love the medical centre", Mrs Mullens said.