Hair yesterday, gone today

Fire fundraiser exceeds all expectations

The Leigh Volunteer Fire Brigade has been overwhelmed by the generosity of the community, which donated just under $37,000 to its Brave the Shave fundraiser held on January 27.

Leigh locals Gabe Ransom and Frick agreed to have their lengthy beards and hair cut to help the brigade raise enough money to buy a single wheeled mule stretcher. The initial goal was $20,000.

One of the organisers and brigade volunteer, Ataahua Knight, says around 200 people attended the event.

“It was a huge success,” Knight says.

“Amazingly, we got a callout in the middle of it all, so people could see how the brigade responds to a real life event.”

To add to the entertainment, Frick and Gabe auctioned their hair and the highest bidder got to cut off a ponytail, adding a further $1000 to the pot.

“We are very grateful to the community and Frick and Gabe, and their family and friends who turned up on the day. Without Frick and Gabe’s support, this wouldn’t have happened, so we thank them immensely.”

The funds will go directly towards lifesaving equipment, enabling the brigade to better help people in their time of need. The mule stretcher can traverse rough and narrow terrain with less strain on the responding crews.

A special thanks was extended to Smiths Hairdressing from Leigh and The Lady Barber from Matakana.

Sponsors of the day were Lee Fish, Stihl Warkworth, Summer Sessions and Matakana Butcher.