The Leukaemia Foundation aims to include as many people as possible on Saturday at Warrnambool’s Gateway Plaza and at Hawkesdale hall on Sunday, with neither event requiring sign up or prior registration.

As part of the official World’s Greatest Shave weekend, donations of $5 for a colouring and $10 for a shave will go towards funding patient support services, as well as cutting-edge blood cancer research. 

On Sunday from noon the Hawkesdale hall will host a public event with local residents Lisa and Peter Smith already putting their hands up to shave their heads. 

As well as a hair colouring and shaving station, there will be stalls held by Tupperware, Scentsy, Avon, The Body Shop, plus cake stalls, raffles, horse rides, sausage sizzles and face painting. 

Miss Smith said she and her father Peter had passed their target of raising $1000 at the community event. 

“Our local school is doing a crazy hair day today and all the money they’ve raised is coming into our team,” she said.

“Dad’s boss’ mother has leukaemia and their daughter-in-law shaved her head for it last year and we thought we’d do it this year, too.

“We hope for a good turnout — for $10 a family can get unlimited kids’ activities.”

Victoria’s Leukaemia Foundation general manager Stephanie Hechenberger said each day 31 Australians are expected to be diagnosed with leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma. 

“In Victoria more than 3000 people are projected to be diagnosed with a blood cancer this year,” she said.

“Blood cancer is devastating. In acute cases, treatment can begin within 24 hours of diagnosis. 

“For those living in regional areas, it can mean leaving work, school and family and relocating to the city, adding to the shock and emotional turmoil.

“The World’s Greatest Shave is the Leukaemia Foundation’s most important fund-raiser, providing vital funds to help lessen the impact for people affected by blood cancer.”