Over 40 Mount Saint Agnes staff and students have combined to raise over $68,000 for the St Baldrick’s charity.

Monday’s event marked the second time MSA had taken part in the fundraiser which saw 43 children and adults shaved their hair in order to raise money for the St Baldrick’s Foundation and Bermuda Cancer & Health.

Organised by Laurel Burgess, MSA’s Middle School Science and Maths teacher, and involving both elementary and high school pupils, the event raised a total $68,500.

MSA’s principal Sue Moench kicked off the event by sitting in the barber’s chair first, having challenged the elementary students to join her, saying that she would shave her head if they raised $25,000. “Needless to say, they did,” said a school spokesperson.

“The entire school, friends, and family came to support our shavees in the MSA auditorium.

“A mother and son team were the top fundraisers. Sophia Smethurst and Cameron sat side by side and have raised over $14,300 to date. The top individual fundraiser was Grade 5 student, Marcus Duarte, who collected over $5,500.

“Many students have been coming up with creative ways to collect funds for this cause,” added the spokesperson. “Grade 5 student, Davis Barnes, set up a coin collection bucket in his classroom and as word spread, teachers and high school students contributed to his efforts. Additional funds will be added through a non-uniform day held for the event.

“In addition to fundraising for St Baldrick’s Foundation, a few of our participants will be donating their hair. MSA staff member Laura Lyons, who donated 12 inches of hair to ‘Locks of Love’ last year has managed to donate 10 inches of hair to ‘Pantene Beautiful Lengths’ now that she’s ‘Rocking the Bald’.”

MSA parents Vicki Benevides and Sophia Smethurst are also donating their locks to be used to make wigs for those fighting cancer.

Hairdressers who donated their time were Nicola (Freddy) King of Salon Visage, Liz Tuck (Salon Visage), Helen Stirling (Cutting Room), Traci Amaral, Bibbyanna and Yetta Roberts (Strands).

“Azuree Williams, Bermuda Cancer and Health’s Events and SunSmart Coordinator, helped the school recognise three of these wonderful volunteers for their years of voluntary service at St. Baldrick’s events. The esteemed League of Legendary Heroes includes: Nicola (Freddy) King is now a Knight of the Bald Table for her seven years of shaving, Liz Tuck and Helen Stirling are both Squires of Hope for their three years.”