Office-based Wattle Range Council employees have recently presented World’s Greatest Shave Millicent participant “Fred” Smith with a significant cash sum for forwarding to the Leukaemia Foundation.
On one day of each month, the council indoor staff across various departments can voluntarily opt to wear casual clothes and make a donation to charity.
Such a gesture has been going for around a decade and includes the staff of the main office, engineering office, library and the three visitor information centres.
At the suggestion of human resources manager Claire O’Loughlin, they chose the Leukaemia Foundation for the month of March.
Their contribution to The SE Voice journalist was well into the three figures and took “Fred’s” personal tally in the World’s Greatest Shave past $600.
Council administration manager Diana McDonald said most of the indoor staff choose to take part in the casual clothes initiative.
“A charity is always the beneficiary,” Ms McDonald said.
“Our donations often coincide with a special project of the charity as with the Worlds Greatest Shave for the Leukaemia Foundation during the month of March.
“There might also be times when a Wattle Range Council staff member has a particular connection to a charity.
“The casual clothes participation can also lead to a greater awareness of a charity by the staff.”
Meanwhile, Millicent accountant and sporting identity Steve Duldig also shaved his head last month and raised around $5700.
His late father and retired Millicent bank manager Brian Duldig had brain cancer and died in 2023.
The head shave took place in the viewing area at Millicent’s McLaughlin Park and followed a football trial game.
According to his social media post, Steve said the final amount raised has far exceeded his expectations.
“I have been overwhelmed by the generosity that people have shown, and our family are grateful for the support shown to a cause that is close to our hearts,” Steve said.
Across Australia there were 14,200 participants in the World’s Greatest Shave with the fundraising tally approaching $9m.
The Leukaemia Foundation helps Australians with blood cancer and offers life-changing support such as capital city accommodation for country patients undergoing treatment, funds research and campaigns for change alongside the community.
