Lifestyle Shepparton’s hair-raising effort

Lifestyle Communities Shepparton has long been known for going above and beyond, and this year’s effort has been no exception.

With clippers buzzing and spirits high, the team from Signature Cuts generously donated their time to shave the men’s hair.

In one of the more entertaining moments, local favourite Neil Siddall even auctioned off his eyebrows, fetching $50 in the name of charity.

The origins of this community tradition stretch back to 2014 when Gavan Pritchett founded Shave Day.

At the time, funds helped cover the wages of prostate cancer specialist nurse Sonia Strachan at GV Health.

Today, the money raised directly supports treatment and care for local men facing prostate cancer.

After 11 years at the helm, Gavan announced that this would be his final year running the fundraiser.

“People are very generous,” he said.

“The thing that gets me most is there is a hell of a lot of blokes in here, and they won’t tell you — but they are being treated or have been treated for prostate cancer and using the Copulos Centre.”

GV Health chief of corporate affairs Tim Cannon echoed the importance of the fundraiser.

“We want care close to home — easier access to make lives easier for people going through what we all know is one of the toughest things to deal with, not just for individuals but for families,” he said.

Ms Strachan expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the fundraisers’ efforts.

“We are very happy that Lifestyle Shepparton is supporting our prostate cancer nursing service,” she said.

“The money goes towards supporting local men. We appreciate it — and our community appreciates it.”

Each Shave Day is accompanied by an auction in the clubhouse, with up to 200 local businesses donating items and vouchers.

Local auctioneers such as Des O’Shea and Kevin Hicks keep the crowd buzzing as the bids flow in.

Each dollar raised is matched by the Lifestyle Communities Foundation — ensuring every act of generosity goes even further.