CHARLENE Simpson is no stranger to fundraising for cancer.
Having coloured her hair in October last year, the Briagolong local took it a step further last Sunday after pledging to part with her long locks.
Little did she anticipate her noble act would inspire a profound response, as the wider Briagolong community pitched in to help raise a generous $4000 for the Leukaemia Foundation.
“In September (2023), it was just a small thing – I was just going to shave my hair,” Mrs Simpson said.
But it became so much more than that when members of the social motorcycle club, Easyriders – to which Charlene’s family belongs, volunteered to join the cause by shaving and colouring their beards.
The significance of the cause resonates deeply with Mrs Simpson, who explained, “I did it for my dad and I did it for my brother-in-law, and the few people who I know at the moment that are going through treatment”.
As the wider Briagolong community rallied behind the World’s Greatest Shave fundraiser hosted by Mrs Simpson on February 4, the Leukaemia Foundation’s call for heightened awareness found a powerful response.
The foundation identifies blood cancer as Australia’s ‘hidden crisis’ due to its prevalence, coupled with lower awareness compared to other types of cancer. It is a burden that 135,000 Australians and their families face daily.
The event not only championed the cause but also brought the community together, underscoring the strength that arises when people join forces.
“Being in such a close-knit community in Briagolong, once Lisa (Rawson), the tattoo artist, caught wind of it, the pub and the post office, they all just jumped on board and were very accommodating, giving vouchers and fuel cards,” Mrs Simpson said.
“And then it just started turning into something really big and I thought, ‘why not get a few store holders together and make it a big thing’.”
Briagolong – better known as Briag to locals – is typically a quiet town, but one that rallies behind its residents. When the rumble of motorcycles converged on Forbes Street, Briag’s tranquillity was momentarily replaced by the roar of engines, signalling the event’s start.
Those in the know had probably seen the fundraiser on Facebook, where volunteer vendors like Maffra businesswoman and hobby baker, Ash Wood shared it.
Ms Wood curated boxes of cupcakes that sold out, making a sweet contribution of $400 to the overall total raised.
“Food is my love language,” Ms Wood said.
“I know that sounds like a cheesy thing to say, but baking makes me happy.”
It was not just Ms Wood who was content to offer her goods and services to the cause; various family-friendly activities, from face painting and hair braiding, to the sale of scrunchies and bracelets, a barbecue, along with an arts and crafts stall hosted by Briagolong Primary School, contributed to the successful fundraising initiative.
Highlighting the day’s excitement was a ‘Show and Shine’ motorbike fundraiser, showcasing the impressive wheels of Easyriders’ members who journeyed from Traralgon, Bairnsdale, and Melbourne. A $5 donation secured entry into the bike showcase, and the public voted on the top three.
“It was a huge collaborative effort by everyone involved,” Ms Wood said.
The day proved to be an outstanding success with the total amount raised nudging the $4000 mark.
Of the total amount, $600 was generated via online donations, $1300 from the generous stall vendors, and $2050 was raised by Lisa Rawson of Intuitive Ink, who offered a $50 tattoo deal honouring the cause.
Tattooing out of her studio next to the carpark where the event took place, Ms Rawson designed a selection of tattoos that aligned with the day’s theme – ‘Conquering Cancer’.
Lisa’s work was in such high demand that by 11am, a waitlist of 50 people had formed. Spurred on by the cause, she worked tirelessly throughout the day, completing one tattoo every 10 minutes.
“She did not stop,” Mrs Simpson said.
“She said she was going to go from 11 o’clock until four o’clock, but she was last man standing.
“Everyone had packed up and left, and she was there, still tattooing at about six o’clock at night.”
Ms Rawson and her trusty tattoo machine are no strangers to community fundraising.
“Fundraisers are always something I’ll do to support the community because we’ve all been in places where we’ve needed help at different times with different things,” Ms Rawson said.
“It’s just a good thing to do,” she added.
Like many in attendance, Ms Rawson’s life has been touched by cancer. Her brother’s recent re-diagnosis only cementing her decision to go the extra mile.
While Ms Rawson could not join the festivities outside because her schedule kept her busy, she noted the overwhelming support of people undergoing cancer treatment that were in attendance, while others came to honour their loved ones, sharing stories about parents, siblings, or partners affected by cancer in various forms.
Remaining faithful to her vision, Mrs Simpson adorned the iconic blue and orange ‘World’s Greatest Shave’ apron before bidding farewell to her long locks.
In a show of solidarity, seven attendees joined her by shaving their hair, while another three opted to add some colour to theirs.
Upon reflection, Mrs Simpson sounded grateful and proud as she expressed her admiration for the support Briag’s tight-knit community brought to the day.
“The money!” she exclaimed, accompanied by thoughtful laughter, “I didn’t even register how awesome it is to have raised $4000”.
“It’s pretty bloody good for a little town to do that.”
Fundraising did not stop on Sunday, as Mrs Simpson’s tally is now $4300, continuing to grow.
Beyond the financial achievement, Mrs Simpson emphasised, “To have my dad still with us is all that matters to me.”
To find more information about blood cancer, or to donate, visit tinyurl.com/yc7e4yxk
