Losing hair to help

THE Cornerstone Community has donated funds to Swan Hill District Health (SHDH) after chopping their hair.

Of the $1150 donated to SHDH, $550 will go towards new bed slides for the acute ward and $600 to cancer services for the purchase of wigs or other headwear.

“The group did a similar thing two years ago and we wanted it to go towards something that would be worthwhile,” Cornerstone Community member Nadya Volkofsky said.

Initially the group set a goal of raising $450 for new hospital slide sheets but after a “massive response” they were able to donate funds for wigs.

“I was thinking it would take at least five weeks to raise that amount, but we got it in eight hours,” Ms Volkofsky said.

“The wigs will allow women in Swan Hill who are having chemotherapy or cancer treatment to have confidence and security after they lose their hair.”

Cornerstone Community members Peter Harrison and Jordan Wanefalea said while their heads have felt “a lot colder” since doing the chop on October 8, it was helping the local community that meant the most.

“Being a local initiative, it impacts the community directly,” Mr Wanefalea said.

“The more money raised, the more people who shaved or cut their hair, and the response we received was massive.”

Cornerstone Community is a Christian-based organisation that teaches lifestyle skills and takes up the challenge of discipleship.

“It’s about learning to live practically as a Christian through different areas of mentoring and looking at the bible descriptions,” Mr Harrison told The Guardian.

There are currently six members of the Cornerstone Community who live alongside the Johnson family in Swan Hill.

Group members are additionally involved in the local community by working as contract labourers, playing sport and running camps.

“We really focus on trying to make things happen,” Mr Harrison said.

“We have bible study fortnightly and ran a camp for primary school students earlier this year. We really use this community to connect Swan Hill.”