Shaving fundraiser to support kids with cancer

Newhaven Primary students have shaved their heads in support of one of their school mates, ahead of a cancer fundraiser.

Grade 1 student Millie is currently bravely fighting cancer with regular visits to Monash Children's Hospital for treatment. 

On August 21 the school will hold a fundraising day where teachers and students who choose to can have their heads shaved, hair cut short or even a beard shaved off, with support and donations from the community gratefully accepted.

Money from the fundraiser will go to Monkey in my Chair, Camp Quality and Monash Children’s Hospital, as requested by Millie’s family.

Teacher Robyn Smith said the school was supported by the Monkey in my Chair organisation, a program to help cancer patients stay connected to their classmates. 

“They have provided us with a big toy monkey who Millie has named Mango,” Robyn said.

“Mango attends school when Millie is not here, he sits in her chair, and attends specialist lessons with our class. He comes to assembly and plays in the playground at recess. 

“Lately students have been creating videos with Mango to send to Millie in hospital. Mango comes with a back pack that students can use to communicate with Millie while she is not at school.”

Robyn said another organisation supporting the school was Camp Quality who, next term, will bring their puppet show to Newhaven that discusses cancer education.

“Both of these organizations have provided these services to our school free of charge and we are very grateful for their assistance to our students during this very difficult time.”