Shearing sheep and heads for cancer charity

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Shearer Mark Barlow from Wanalta puts his back into the job at Bill Barlow's shed in a previous charity fundraising day. Photo by Geoff Adams

Supporters of a unique charity fundraising day based around a shearing shed will be out to break their own records this year.

Organisers of the 10th shearing day at Colbinabbin are determined to raise more than $60,000 for children and families with cancer, but they are relying on public help to reach this goal.

Co-ordinator Katrina Ogden said this year’s Shearing for Kids with Cancer event will be held at the Wanalta shearing shed belonging to Bill Barlow on Friday, July 26.

It will be the 10th event, largely driven by locals, since the day was first run to support Lori Perrry who was undergoing cancer treatment.

The event now raises money for My Room Children’s Cancer Charity.

Ms Ogden said people and businesses had generously donated goods and services for auction and for raffles.

Shearers give up their time for five hours in Bill Barlow’s shed.

And sheep won’t be the only things getting shorn in the shed.

Two young men, Declan Baldwin and Kade Dearing, have volunteered to lose their hair for the sake of fundraising.

Heath and Billy Ogden at a previous charity shearing event.

The public is invited to attend the event and children can enjoy face painting, the barbecue and a jumping castle.

The location is the shearing shed at 3380 Bendigo-Murchison Rd, Wanalta. The program is:

  • 7.30am to 9.30am: First run of shearing.
  • 9.30 to 10am: Morning smoko for the working team.
  • 10am to noon: Second run of shearing.
  • Noon to 2pm: Lunch.
  • 2pm: Head shaves for Declan Baldwin and Kade Dearing.
  • 3pm: Auction and raffle.

My Room Children’s Cancer Charity is a volunteer-led organisation, supporting patients and families affected by cancer.

My Room has a full-time executive and is provided offices, administration and financial management services pro-bono.

The organisation has a tax deductible status and is registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission.

The Facebook page for Shearing for Kids with Cancer is: https://www.facebook.com/events/807735214278465/?active_tab=discussion